Karnataka eyes deeper ties with France across AI, aerospace, defence

Bengaluru can be the gateway for French companies entering India, Karnataka IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge said in a statement on Tuesday following his meeting with Anne Le Hénaff, France's minister for artificial intelligence and digital affairs.

Their talks focussed on expanding collaboration between Karnataka and France across innovation, skilling, AI, aerospace and defence manufacturing, startup ecosystems, and digital governance.

"A couple of areas where we can move quickly and decisively are skills, innovation, and advanced manufacturing," said Kharge. "We can work towards a skills corridor focussed on emerging technologies, an innovation corridor linking our Centres of Excellence (CoEs), incubators, and research institutions, and a stronger partnership in aerospace and defence supply chains," said Kharge.


He added that Paris, in turn, could serve as a gateway for the entry of Karnataka's startups into France and the European Union (EU).

The meeting was attended by IT/BT secretary Manjula N, director Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, and the French delegation accompanying Henaff.

France highlighted its growing need for skilled engineers and tech professionals, and expressed interest in talent development and skilling in emerging technologies, said the statement. The two sides also reviewed the ongoing engagement with French ecosystems, including incubation and innovation platforms in Paris.

Kharge put forward a proposal to strengthen ties through Karnataka’s partnership platform, the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), and to establish an organisation in Karnataka to support French startups and MSMEs seeking market access, research collaboration, and long-term presence in India.

The talks took place a day after Karnataka announced a deepening of its partnership with the United Kingdom.

"As we deepen our cooperation with Karnataka, we see strong opportunities to work together on responsible, trustworthy, and inclusive AI, combining innovation, regulation, and public policy to ensure technology benefits society while safeguarding our values," said Hénaff.

The two sides also exchanged views on online safety and child protection in the digital age, said the statement. Karnataka outlined its ongoing efforts, including large-scale awareness programmes on social media, cyber-safety training for teachers and students, and the proposed formation of expert committees on AI governance and the responsible use of technology, the statement added.