Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

India and France have solidified a fruitful relationship over a significant period.

Our shared heritage has led to a strong strategic partnership with an impetus to strong economic ties between India and the French Republic. The strategic partnership stands on the pillars of defence cooperation, space cooperation and civil nuclear cooperation. In addition, the two countries are successfully cooperating in the areas of smart cities, railways, tourism, food processing and renewable energy.

    • Nov 2024: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

      During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advance the India-France Strategic Partnership as well as their shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership, outlined in the Horizon 2047 roadmap and other bilateral declarations. 

      The two leaders commended the strengthening of trade, investment, and technology ties, including in the areas of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence, as well as India France partnership on Digital Public Infrastructure.

    • President of the French Republic Mr. Emmanuel Macron paid a State Visit to India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day of India. 

      Prime Minister Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership, outlined in Horizon 2047. They commended the progress in bilateral cooperation and committed to accelerating it further across the three broad pillars of bilateral cooperation - Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, Partnership for Planet and Partnership for People – to further reinforce their shared commitment to sovereignty and strategic autonomy.

    • On 1st December 2023, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, on the sidelines of the COP 28 Summit in Dubai.
      The two leaders exchanged views on wide range of areas, including climate action, climate financing, sports, energy, defence and civil nuclear cooperation.

    • On 10th September, 2023, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a bilateral meeting with the President of the French Republic Mr Emmanuel Macron during the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. 

      The two leaders discussed overall progress and next steps on the implementation of the new and ambitious goals for cooperation in areas of defence, space, nuclear energy, digital public infrastructure, critical technology, climate change, education, etc. They also carried forward their discussions on India-France partnership in the Indo-Pacific region and Africa, including in infrastructure, connectivity, energy and biodiversity.

    • On 14th July 2023, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited as Guest of Honour for France’s Bastille Day Parade and conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour by French President Emmanuel Macron. Celebrating 25 years of the Strategic Partnership, both leaders reiterated their strong commitment to further strengthen the partnership through concrete steps to intensify bilateral cooperation in trade and investment. 

    • The 11th meeting of the Indo-French CEOs Forum was held on 13th July 2023, on occasion of Hon’ble Prime Minister’s state visit to France. The two heads of state jointly addressed a group of leading Indian and French CEOs from strategic sectors including aviation and defence, manufacturing, technology and energy, among others. Hon’ble Prime Minister acknowledged the role played by the companies in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting economic cooperation and encouraged the CEOs to utilize the opportunities in India and be a part of India’s growth story.  

    • On 13th July 2023, Invest India signed an MoU with Business France, the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation between the two agencies and contribute to the promotion of investment and innovation between companies and startups in India and France. This will also leverage the strengths and existing business relations between the countries and provide a seamless facilitation channel for new businesses and innovations to grow in both markets. 

    • Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal along with Mr Olivier Becht, Minister delegate of Foreign Trade, Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Government of France, co-chaired the India France Business Summit, commemorating 25 years of India-France Friendship from the 11th-13th of April 2023. The Summit focused on themes including building a green future, emerging technologies, defence cooperation and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific regions.

    • India and France have regular exchange of visits at the highest level. Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and French President, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, held extensive discussions on a range of bilateral and global issues in May 2022 during the former’s official visit to France following the French President’s re-election for a second term. The two leaders agreed on a blueprint to work together on making the India-France strategic partnership a force for global good.

    • France and India work closely together on tackling climate change and furthering space exploration. Space agencies of both countries signed an agreement for cooperation for India’s first human space mission Gaganyaan. Both countries welcomed the decision for France to train medical support personnel for Indian astronauts, who will be part of the mission. Together, both countries have also launched a Space Climate Observatory that further enhances Indo-French cooperation on combating climate change.

    • COVID-19 Cooperation: India supplied France with nearly 2 Mn hydroxychloroquine tablets and 36 MT of paracetamol (API) after having lifted export restrictions on these lifesaving drugs. France expressed its gratitude by sending 120 ventilators, 50 thousand serological tests, and 50 thousand nose/throat swabs as aid. France also announced a €200 Mn loan to India to help the vulnerable sections most severely affected by the pandemic. Over 2500 Indians had been repatriated from France and a similar number of French citizens were repatriated from India to their home countries through special flights.

    • National Security Advisor (NSA) Mr. Ajit Doval met with Mr. Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron, for the annual strategic dialogue between India and France on 6th November 2021. The topics discussed included strengthening the bilateral defence and security partnership, pursuing new initiatives in maritime, space and cyber domains, Committing to closer cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, France’s commitment to support Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, including defence industrialisation and joint research and technology development.

    • Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, held a bilateral meeting with the President of France, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, on the sidelines of the 16th G20 Summit in Oct 2021. Some of the topics discussed were strengthening cooperation between India and France in various fields, climate finance in view of the COP26 Summit, EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, and the role of India-France partnership in promoting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

    • In June 2021, France announced its intention to make a direct contribution of €1 Mn to the International Solar Alliance (ISA), further strengthening and upgrading its partnership with India.

    • During Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra’s Modi’s state visit to France in July 2023, several agreements were signed at an institutional level. This included Head of Agreement (HoA) between Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Total Energies to establish a long-term LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), LOI for Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.

    • The PM's visit to France also included Joint Declaration between ISRO and CNES Concerning Joint Developments in the field of Launchers, MoU between MeitY and French Ministry of Economy on Cooperation in the field of Digital Technologies, Technical Cooperation between Direction-Générale d’Aviation Civile, France and Airports Authority of India in the field of Civil Aviation, 5-year validity short-stay Schengen Visa for Indians with degrees from French educational institutions (Masters and above).

    • France is the 11th largest investor in India, with cumulative FDI inflows of $11.24 Bn during Apr 2000 to Jun 2024. The sectors attracting the most FDI from France are cement and gypsum products, drugs and pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery, and automobiles.

    • Merchandise trade between the two countries has been growing steadily and is estimated to reach $13.38 Bn for the 2023-24 period.

    • India is proud to host 25 French R&D centres in the country. France is India’s 8th largest scientific partner with around 3000 co-publications per year and annually devotes around $5 Mn to scientific and technological cooperation with India.

    • In Dec 2021, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) announced signing of an MoU to establish a 4-year partnership with 21 French institutions under the aegis of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Government of France.

    • There are more than 1,000 French companies in India, that have a total turnover of $20 Bn and employ 300,000 people. This is a testament to the strength of the Indo - French association.

    • France is partnering with India to develop Chandigarh, Puducherry and Nagpur as smart cities. It has already committed over $2.2 Bn for India’s ‘Smart Cities’ project.

    • At the 53rd edition of IFFI in 2022(International Film Festival of India), France was the festival's country of focus. In reciprocity, India is named the Country of Honour at the Marche du Cinema of the Cannes Film Festival on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the country’s Independence.

    • France and India agreed to significantly enhance people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges. The countries have agreed on regular dialogue on consular matters, which will facilitate exchange and mobility.

    • In 2019, 10,000 Indian students chose to pursue higher studies in France and the French Government has unveiled a plan to spend $1.4 Mn as assistance to Indian students every year. France further plans to invite 20,000 Indian students in the country by the year 2025, as stated by French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.

    • Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal along with Mr Olivier Becht, Minister delegate of Foreign Trade, Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Government of France, participated in an event that showcased India’s cultural heritage and soft power and witnessed a participation of 600+ dignitaries from the French government, the Indian Business Diaspora in France and members of French business community. The Minister also interacted with members of the Indian community in Paris.

Prominent Investments

France in India

ENGIE

ENGIE is a French multinational electric utility company with a business presence in 70 countries. It employs more than 150,000 people. ENGIE is one ...Read more

GROUPE PSA

Groupe PSA is Europe’s 2nd largest vehicle manufacturer, employing over 200,000 people worldwide as of 2018. As a part of its ‘Push to Pass’ strategy ...Read more

Roquette

Roquette is a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a pioneer of new vegetal proteins. It operates across 20 industrial sites, and has been ...Read more

Renault

Established in 1899, Groupe Renault is a French multinational automobile manufacturer that produces a wide range of cars and vans. In September 2008 ...Read more

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is the leading provider of electrical components and equipment. In India, the company operates through 28 factories, 48 sales ...Read more

India in France

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Mahindra & Mahindra is an Indian diversified conglomerate of companies, with revenue exceeding $17.9 Bn and employing about 500 employees in ...Read more

Tata Group

Tata Group is an Indian multinational conglomerate holding, that has been present in Europe since 1907. It employs over 1,500 people in France. Tata ...Read more

Sintex Industries

Sintex Industries is the world’s largest producer of plastic water tanks, as well as Asia’s largest manufacturer of corduroy. They have a presence ...Read more

Motherson Sumi Systems

Motherson Sumi Systems is a leading automotive mirror and wiring harness manufacturer for passenger cars. It also supplies plastic components and ...Read more
  • Automobile

    Automobile

    • #2

       Largest Two-wheeler Manufacturing Country

    • #3

      Largest automotive market

    • #4

      Largest car manufacturing country

      • India aims to double its auto Industry size to INR 15 Lakh Cr by 2024
      • EV-Ready India dashboard forecasts a 45.5% CAGR in electric vehicles between 2022 and 2030 with annual sales of 16 Mn EVs in India by 2030
    Visit Sector 3Investible Projects
  • Chemicals

    Chemicals

    • #1

      Largest producer and exporter of castor oil in the world

    • #4

      Largest producer of agrochemicals in the world

    • #6

      Largest producer of chemicals in the world

      • Indian Dye is exported to over 90+ countries
      • Supplies 16% of the global dyestuff and dye intermediates
      • India is set to emerge as fourth-largest chemical producer in the world
    Visit Sector 28Investible Projects
  • Food Processing

    Food Processing

    • #1

       Largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices

    • #1

      Producer of Milk Globally

    • #1

      Largest producer of sugar

      • India’s food processing sector is one of the largest in the world and its output is expected to reach $535 Bn by 2025-26
      • Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, a government scheme, was formulated to create a modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet
    Visit Sector 76Investible Projects
  • Renewable Energy

    Renewable Energy

    • #2

      Highest installed wind capacity in Asia

    • #4

      Solar Power Capacity Globally (as per REN21 Renewables 2024 Global Status Report)

    • #5

      Largest Renewable energy capacity Globally

      • The 30-GW renewable energy park at Kutch, Gujarat is billed as the largest of its kind in the world
      • 100% FDI is allowed in all renewable sources of power
    Visit Sector 499Investible Projects
  • Tourism & Hospitality

    Tourism & Hospitality

    • #9

      Largest in cultural resources and business travel in the world

    • #10

      Rank on Medical Tourism Index

    • #3

      Largest foreign exchange earner for the country

      • $512 Bn contributions to India's GDP by 2028 and 53 Mn jobs by 2029
      • The travel market in India is projected to reach $125 Bn by FY27
      • Foreign tourist Arrivals during 2023 were 9.24 Mn
    Visit Sector 300Investible Projects
  • Pharmaceuticals

    Pharmaceuticals

    • #1

      Largest vaccine producer in the world

    • #3

      Largest market in terms of volume

    • #1

      Highest number of US-FDA compliant Pharma plants outside of the USA

      • Exports 20% of global generic medicines, making it the largest provider globally
      • Expected to reach $100 Bn by 2025, and 130 Bn by 2030
      • Leader in Global supply of DPT, BCG, and Measles Vaccine
      • The market size of the Indian pharmaceutical industry is around $50 Bn
    Visit Sector 7Investible Projects
  • Retail & E-commerce

    Retail & E-commerce

    • #1

      Rank in Global Retail Development Index (GRDI), 2023

    • #3

      Largest consumer economy by 2025

    • #4

      Largest preferred retail destination Globally

      • India is the third largest global retail market
      • Indian retail market is projected to reach $2 Tn by 2032
      • 10% Contribution to India's GDP
      • The E-Commerce market is expected to touch $350 Bn in GMV by 2030
    Visit Sector 2Investible Projects
  • Aerospace & Defence

    Aerospace & Defence

    • #2

      Largest armed force in the World

    • #4

      Largest defence budget in the world

    • 9%

      Budget allocated to R&D

      • GOI aims to achieve a turnover of $25 Bn including export of $5 Bn in Aerospace and Defence goods and services by 2025
      • The government has established 2 Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
    Visit Sector 5Investible Projects

Recent Investments

French pet food maker, Royal Canin opens Asia's second largest fully operational packaging plant in Maharashtra

French pet food maker, Royal Canin opens Asia's second largest fully operational packaging plant in Maharashtra

Royal Canin opened Asia's second-largest fully operational packaging plant in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra with an investment of INR 100 Cr; the facility will have automatic packing machines and associated utilities installed for conversion of bulk products into retail packs.
 

 

 

French apparel brand Kiabi to tap into India’s fashion market

French apparel brand Kiabi to tap into India’s fashion market

French apparel brand Kiabi, present in 25 countries, has entered Asia through a partnership with Myntra in India. The collaboration with Myntra aims to target premium fashion audiences in India, offering a diverse range of 500+ products across categories. Kiabi will have a dedicated Online Brand Store on the Myntra app and visibility through Myntra Minis.

 

France's Airbus to manufacture civilian helicopters in partnership with Tata Group

France's Airbus to manufacture civilian helicopters in partnership with Tata Group

Industrial partnership has been signed between Tata Group and France's Airbus helicopters for production of H125 helicopters with a significant indigenous and localisation component.

France’s official development agency AFD to help SJVN, the hydroelectric power generation company, to set up solar projects

France’s official development agency AFD to help SJVN, the hydroelectric power generation company, to set up solar projects

SJVN began its foray into solar power in 2017, and has completed three projects with a total installed capacity of 81.3 MW. AFD’s initiatives in India have placed a strong emphasis on renewable energy, with a particular accent on energy efficiency, hydroelectricity and solar power. In addition to collaborating with the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), it has given financial and technical support to private sector solar, wind, biomass and hydropower projects.

MONIN

MONIN to invest INR 300 Cr in India to set up manufacturing facility in Hyderabad

French gourmet flavourings company, has announced an investment of INR 300 Cr near Hyderabad to set up its first manufacturing factory here. In the first phase, the company would build a two-lakh sq. ft facility to house its India headquarters, an R&D centre and production unit.

1

Saint-Gobain to invest INR 6,000 Cr to INR 8,000 Cr by CY 2025

French glass major Saint-Gobain will invest 6,000 to 8,000 Cr for expansion of Indian operations in the next two years, as the global glass and building materials manufacturer is targeting revenue at 36,000 Cr from India by CY 2032.

Airbus

Air India to purchase 250 planes from Airbus; PM Modi says deal reflects deepening ties between India and France

Airbus has prioritized India as a key market since 2019. As evidenced by the opening of a 500-person information management centre (IT facility) in Bengaluru (September 2019). They have also announced hiring of 13000 people in the next two years as a part of their India Expansion Plan (Jan 2023).

Their efforts have also led to projects such as: 

  • In February 2020 Airbus Defense and Space and India's SpacePark Kerala signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore potential collaborations in space-related activities and applications.
  • Airbus Defense and Space has signed a contract in January 2021 to provide satellite-based communications systems for Indian Navy's P-75 submarine project.
  • Airbus opened a new C-295 transport aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara inaugurated by  P.M. Shri Narendra Modi in October 2022.
  • Apr 2023: Air India signed a deal to purchase 250 planes from Airbus. As part of the acquisition, the airline will purchase 40 wide body A-350 aircraft and 210 narrow body planes. Plans to increase total procurement to 2000 planes in the next 15 year
Schneider Electric expands India operations with new product lines

Schneider Electric expands India operations with new product lines

Schneider Electric, a global player in energy management, is expanding its India operations with launch of new product lines in one of its manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru, to support the growing demand for energy management solutions.

The company said that it is creating a dedicated pool of 400 engineers within its existing resource pool of over 5,600 R&D and software engineers, to drive innovation and digitization of power management.

This is also the Rafale built for India and designated RB008. RB stands for former Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria who, as then Deputy Chief of IAF, led the Indian negotiation team and had a major role in the contract negotiations.

France has delivered all 36 Rafale jets to India

France has delivered all 36 Rafale fighter jets to India. This is also the Rafale built for India and designated RB008. RB stands for former Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria who, as then Deputy Chief of IAF, led the Indian negotiation team and had a major role in the contract negotiations.

Safran

Safran expands presence and industrial footprint in India

Safran inaugurated 3 new manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and Bangalore and announced the construction of a major new facility by 2025. $200 Mn of investment (2018 –2025)

  • Safran Aircraft Engines (Hyderabad): 15,000 sq. m., the plant will produce rotating turbine seals for the LEAP engine from CFM International and eventually employ 275 people (Investment: $41 Mn).
  • Safran Electrical and Power (Hyderabad): The plant will assemble wire harnesses for civil and military jets. Opened in Nov 2018, it has 150 employees, growing to 200 when it reaches full capacity (Phase 1 investment: $10 Mn).
  • Safran HAL Aircraft Engines (Bangalore): A JV between Safran Aircraft Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the plant will make complex piping, mostly for the LEAP engine. It will span 11,000 sq.m. and will have about 150 employees.
     
NTPC in pact with Electricite de France S.A

NTPC in pact with Electricite de France S.A. for cooperation in International Power sector

In a significant development for the global power sector, Électricité de France S.A. (EDF), one of the world’s leading power sector companies headquartered in Paris, France, and NTPC Ltd, India’s largest energy integrated company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential power project development opportunities in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa. 

CCI approves Total Renewables’ stake buy in Adani Green Energy

CCI approves Total Renewables’ stake buy in Adani Green Energy

Total Renewables SAS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of international energy major Total SE has acquired share capital of Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL)

Alstom India manufactured coaches to be used in Sydney Metro

Alstom India, subsidiary of French Alstom SA, under the Make in India initiative has assembled 22 train coaches to be used in Sydney Metro Line.

Citroen to make India debut next year

French auto major Citroen is planning its debut in India next year by opening stores in 10 cities. These stores will be equipped with technologies allowing the users to experience the accessories before buying the car.

Saint Gobain announces investments at its Chennai Plant

The French glassmaker announced investment of over $ 168 mn in their plant in Chennai to build new manufacturing lines of third-glass float, magnetron floater, glass solutions and a rainwater harvesting facility.

France Team

The France Team at Invest India aims to facilitate and assist French companies in their India entry and expansion plans. Working closely with various stakeholders including states and regulatory authorities, we bring you a seamless experience in kick-starting your business in India.

Key Functions:

  • End-to-end spectrum of investment promotion – research, outreach, promotion, facilitation and aftercare
  • Initiating, attracting, facilitating, fast-tracking and handholding French investments across sectors
  • Providing information on investment opportunities across sectors, in specific projects and industrial corridors in particular
  • Extending holistic support to the small and medium enterprises from France with India's interest

Team Advantages

  • Opportunity assessment

  • Policy and incentive advisory

  • Location assessment

  • Market entry strategy

  • JV and strategic partner research

  • Approvals and compliance advisory

  • Issue redressal support

  • Expansion advisory

  • Policy impact analysis

Brochures

About Us

Invest India

The one stop-shop to ensure your success in India

Our Prestigious Awards

We are the most awarded IPA in the world

  • The World's Most Innovative Investment Promotion Agency Award 2021 awarded by OCO Global

  • United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Investment Promotion Award 2020 for best practices in COVID response

  • Best Investment Project Award five years in a row - 2016 to 2020 at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) organized by the Ministry of Economy, UAE.

  • Great Place to Work Certification by GPTW Survey 2019

  • The UNCTAD Award 2018 for promoting investment in sustainable development

  • Great Place to Work Certification by GPTW Survey 2018

  • Investment Award 2016 from the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

  • United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Investment Promotion Award 2016 for excellence in partnering for investment promotion

View all