Tue, Feb 11, 2025

AI Action Summit 2025: India and France Spearhead Global AI Governance and Innovation

Venture Capital
Technology
Sarah J

Sarah J

Posted on Tue, Feb 11, 2025

4 min read

Share the article with your network

x
Facebook
linkedin

The Artificial Intelligence Action Summit 2025, co-hosted by India and France in Paris, has set a new benchmark for global AI collaboration and policy-making. This landmark event, presided over by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together world leaders, tech executives, policymakers, and innovative startup founders to chart the course for AI's future.


Summit Highlights and Key Announcements


Held at the prestigious Grand Palais, the summit focused on five crucial themes: public service AI, the future of work, innovation and culture, trust in AI, and global AI governance. The event saw participation from nearly a hundred countries and over a thousand stakeholders from the private sector and civil society.


President Macron unveiled France's ambitious €109 billion investment plan for artificial intelligence, positioning the country as a frontrunner in the global AI race. The summit also launched 'Current AI', a groundbreaking "public interest" partnership with an initial €387 million investment, aiming to raise $2.5 billion over five years for open-source AI tools and databases.


In a move to bolster Europe's AI capabilities, a €150 billion 'EU AI Champions' strategy was announced, backed by major corporations, venture capital firms, and startups. This initiative will see 20 key investors deploying funds in European AI companies, fostering innovation and competitiveness.


India showcased its burgeoning AI ecosystem, highlighting programs like AI4India and collaborations with the Center for Policy Research and Governance (CPRG). These initiatives underscore India's commitment to leveraging AI for economic development and societal progress.


The summit produced several significant action points and opportunities:


Global AI Governance: Establishing a comprehensive framework for international AI governance, emphasizing inclusivity and diverse representation.


Ethical AI Development: Implementing robust guidelines for responsible AI development, addressing biases, and ensuring ethical deployment across sectors.


AI for Public Interest: Promoting AI applications that serve the common good, particularly in healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.


Future of Work: Developing strategies to address AI-driven workforce transformations, balancing productivity gains with worker well-being and reskilling initiatives.


AI Safety and Security: Strengthening measures to ensure AI systems are safe, reliable, and secure against potential threats and misuse.


Cross-Border Collaboration: Enhancing international cooperation in AI research, data sharing, and innovation to accelerate global progress.


Sustainable AI: Promoting energy-efficient AI computing and applications that support environmental goals and sustainable development.


AI Education and Skills: Expanding AI literacy programs and workforce training initiatives to prepare global populations for an AI-driven future.


The summit also highlighted opportunities for public-private partnerships, inclusion of the Global South in AI policy-making, and the advancement of open-source AI tools. Sector-specific AI growth areas were identified, including offshore data centers, AI in natural sciences, and energy-efficient computing.


India's Strategic AI Aspirations


India's co-chairing role at the summit signaled its intent to position itself as a global AI leader. With its AI industry projected to reach $17 billion by 2027 and boasting the world's second-largest AI talent pool of 420,000 skilled professionals, India is rapidly advancing in AI adoption, research, and innovation.


The country's approach to AI development emphasizes democratized access, sovereign AI models, and ethical deployment. India is actively working on developing indigenous AI foundation models and promoting multilingual Large Language Models (LLMs) to cater to its diverse linguistic landscape.


Franco-Indian AI Collaboration


The partnership between India and France in co-hosting the summit reflects a deepening bilateral cooperation in technology and defense. This collaboration extends beyond AI, with India finalizing major defense deals with France, including the purchase of Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines.


The summit also saw the organization of the Second India-France AI Policy Roundtable, held as a side event at Sciences Po Paris. This high-level discussion brought together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore collaborative AI governance and innovation between the two nations.


Looking Ahead: The Future of Global AI Governance


As the summit concluded, participants emphasized the need for continued dialogue and collaboration in shaping global AI policies. The event set the stage for future discussions on AI governance, with a focus on striking a balance between regulation and innovation.


The Paris AI Summit 2025 marks a significant step forward in international cooperation on AI development and governance. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering dialogue between nations, the summit has paved the way for a more inclusive and responsible approach to AI that benefits societies worldwide.


The action points and opportunities identified during the summit provide a roadmap for governments, businesses, and civil society to work together in harnessing the power of AI for the greater good. As AI continues to reshape industries and economies globally, the collaborative spirit demonstrated at the Paris summit will be crucial in ensuring that the technology's benefits are shared equitably while addressing potential risks and challenges.


The summit's outcomes underscore the growing importance of AI diplomacy and the need for collaborative efforts to ensure ethical and responsible AI development. As the world moves forward, the partnerships forged and initiatives launched at the AI Action Summit 2025 will play a pivotal role in shaping a future where AI serves as a force for global progress and prosperity.


---

Join the exclusive network for leaders driving growth and partnerships in tech and science - www.startupeuropeindia.net

You may also like

Sarah J

Sarah J

Tue, Feb 3, 2026

India and the United States Seal Major Trade Deal; Tariffs Slashed, Markets Rally

In a significant development on February 3, 2026, India and the United States announced a major bilateral trade agreement aimed at resetting trade relations that had been strained over the past year. The announcement came after a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, with both leaders describing the pact as a breakthrough in economic cooperation and an important step toward strengthening ties between the world’s two largest democracies. At the heart of the agreement is a sharp reduction in reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods entering the U.S. market. Washington has agreed to cut tariffs from previous levels- which reached an effective 50 % after punitive levies linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude -down to around 18 % for a broad basket of Indian products. This move is expected to improve cost competitiveness for Indian exporters and restore price parity with competitors such as Thailand, Indonesia and Bangladesh. In return, India is set to reduce or eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers on certain U.S. goods, with multiple reports indicating a move toward zero duty on several categories, opening Indian markets to U.S agricultural products, technology, energy and manufactured items. The deal also involves broader commitments on energy sourcing, with India signalling a reduction in Russian oil purchases and increased imports from the U.S. and other partners. The agreement effectively reverses the sharp tariff escalation of August 2025, when Washington imposed punitive levies that had significantly raised export costs for Indian goods and triggered market uncertainty. Sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, auto components, gems and jewellery and leather among others had seen order volumes decline due to heightened duties. Experts believe the tariff reset will provide relief to these industries and support a rebound in export volumes in 2026. Market and Economic ImpactThe trade announcement triggered an immediate positive response in Indian financial markets. The rupee strengthened sharply, marking its largest single-day gain in over seven years against the U.S. dollar, while benchmark indices surged, with the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex both posting strong gains. Investor confidence was boosted by the removal of trade uncertainty after months of tariff volatility. Trade bodies and industry associations welcomed the reset. The Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC India) highlighted that lower tariffs will enhance competitiveness, especially in engineering export segments. Exporters of rice and other agricultural commodities also expressed optimism about improved market access and shipment prospects under the new tariff framework. Government Reactions and CommentarySenior Indian leaders framed the agreement as a historic achievement. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal described the pact as a “landmark trade agreement” between two fair-trading democracies expected to benefit farmers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, skilled workers and exporters across sectors. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar noted that the deal will stimulate jobs, growth and innovation, reinforcing India’s “Make in India for the world” agenda. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also welcomed the tariff cut as “good news for #MadeInIndia products,” thanking both strategic partners for the development. Leaders across India’s political spectrum, including state officials, highlighted the potential economic gains, though some opposition voices have sought greater transparency on the terms and long-term implications of the pact. Key Features of the Trade DealReduced U.S. tariffs: Indian exports to the U.S. now face an 18 % tariff rate, down from previous levels that included punitive levies. Improved market access: India is expected to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers on several U.S. goods, including agriculture and energy products, enhancing bilateral trade flows. Energy and sourcing commitments: India has signalled a shift away from heavy reliance on Russian oil, pledging increased purchases from the U.S. and other suppliers. Broader cooperation: The agreement lays the groundwork for deeper economic engagement across sectors such as technology, defence, agriculture and services, and may serve as a precursor to a more comprehensive future trade pact. The India-U.S. trade deal of February 2026 represents one of the most consequential developments in bilateral economic relations in recent years recalibrating tariff structures, restoring investor confidence and charting a path for stronger long-term cooperation between two of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.Join SEINET — the digital partnership ecosystem for tech businesses and leaders in EU-UK and India.Start with a verified community, and unlock access to the exclusive Leaders Network for qualified founders and decision-makers. Build trusted partnerships and collaborate efficiently across markets www.startupeuropeindia.net
Tue, Feb 3, 2026
India and the United States Seal Major Trade Deal; Tariffs Slashed, Markets Rally
Sarah J

Sarah J

Sat, Jan 31, 2026

India-EU Trade Pact Opens $572 Billion Pharmaceuticals and MedTech Market, Boosting Exports and Competitiveness

The recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is poised to deliver a substantial boost to India’s pharmaceuticals and medical technology industries by opening access to the EU’s $572.3 billion pharmaceuticals and medical devices market one of the largest markets of its kind globally.Government and industry sources say the agreement will enhance export opportunities, scale up market reach and strengthen India’s role as a global supplier of affordable medicines and health technologies.Under the new trade framework, tariffs on a wide range of pharma and medtech products are being reduced or phased out, offering near-zero duty access to European markets and improving competitiveness for Indian manufacturers. While Indian generic drugs historically entered the EU duty-free, the FTA’s preferential terms and deeper market integration are expected to benefit bulk drugs (APIs), formulations and complex therapeutics as well as medical devices and surgical equipment.Industry analysts highlight that the agreement’s tariff cuts including elimination of duties of up to 11 per cent on pharmaceuticals and up to nearly 28 per cent on medical devices will strengthen Indian firms’ cost position and make high-quality products more price-competitive in Europe’s highly regulated markets. Indian exporters already serve about 19 per cent of their pharma export markets in the EU, but the FTA can accelerate growth across high-value segments such as biosimilars and specialty drugs.Beyond tariffs, the deal also addresses non-tariff barriers and regulatory cooperation, which are critical in healthcare product trade. Improved transparency, customs facilitation and steps toward regulatory alignment are expected to reduce compliance costs, shorten market entry timelines and help smaller manufacturers participate more actively in exports. Experts believe that these structural improvements could drive employment growth, encourage investment in manufacturing capacity and support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within India’s pharma ecosystem.The agreement may also lower drug and medical equipment costs for Indian consumers over time as imported inputs and advanced technologies become more affordable. This includes specialised imaging equipment, diagnostic devices and high-end therapeutics that currently attract higher duties and regulatory costs. European firms may also expand their investment in India’s research-based pharmaceutical and medtech sectors, fostering deeper innovation collaboration.This could accelerate innovation across biopharma, biosimilars, advanced medical technologies and digital health solutions, reinforcing India’s growing international stature in healthcare manufacturing and exports.As the pact moves toward ratification by the European Parliament, EU member states and India’s Cabinet, stakeholders are preparing for phased implementation that could reshape global healthcare trade, strengthen supply chains and support affordable access to quality treatments worldwide.
Sat, Jan 31, 2026
India-EU Trade Pact Opens $572 Billion Pharmaceuticals and MedTech Market, Boosting Exports and Competitiveness
Sarah J

Sarah J

Fri, Jan 30, 2026

EU-India Trade Agreement Sets the Stage for Deeper Strategic and Economic Partnership

The European Union and India have taken a decisive step toward strengthening their long-term economic relationship with the conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive EU-India Trade Agreement.The deal is widely seen as a milestone in global trade, linking two major economic blocs at a time when supply chains, geopolitics and digital transformation are reshaping international commerce.The agreement aims to significantly expand bilateral trade by reducing tariffs, improving market access and creating a more predictable regulatory environment for businesses on both sides. With nearly two billion consumers combined, the EU–India trade corridor is positioned to become one of the most influential economic partnerships globally.A core focus of the agreement is tariff liberalisation. The EU has committed to removing duties on the vast majority of Indian exports, while India has agreed to phase out or reduce tariffs across a broad range of European goods.This is expected to unlock new growth for Indian exporters in sectors such as textiles, apparel, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and marine products, while giving European companies greater access to India’s fast-growing domestic market.Beyond goods, the agreement places strong emphasis on services, investment and regulatory cooperation. India’s strength in IT and digital services, combined with Europe’s leadership in advanced manufacturing, finance and professional services, creates a framework for deeper integration of knowledge-driven industries. Simplified customs procedures, improved intellectual property protection and greater transparency are designed to make cross-border trade easier, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.Why the EU–India Trade Agreement MattersStrategic diversification: The pact helps both sides reduce dependence on single markets and build resilient supply chains amid global uncertainty.Market expansion: Indian and European businesses gain preferential access to large, high-value consumer markets.Innovation and services growth: The agreement supports collaboration in technology, digital services, clean energy and advanced manufacturing.Support for SMEs: Streamlined processes and clearer rules are expected to help smaller firms participate more actively in global trade.Sustainability also plays a role in the agreement, with commitments to labour standards, environmental protection and responsible business practices. Rather than acting as rigid conditions, these provisions create a platform for continued dialogue and alignment as both economies transition toward greener and more digital growth models.
Fri, Jan 30, 2026
EU-India Trade Agreement Sets the Stage for Deeper Strategic and Economic Partnership