New Delhi, Feb 18: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Clara Chappaz, France’s Ambassador for Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence, inaugurated RUSH—High-level Academic and Scientific Meetings on the Future of Indo-French Cooperation at AIIMS, New Delhi on Wednesday.

Along with Ms. @ClaraChappaz, Ambassador for Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence, France, welcomed distinguished friends, academicians, scholars and innovators from France and India at the inauguration of RUSH—High-level Academic and Scientific Meetings on the Future of… pic.twitter.com/Mg1zgjlaoF

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) February 18, 2026

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan described knowledge as the strongest bridge between India and France, stressing that the RUSH initiative would inject new energy into academic and research collaboration. He welcomed distinguished scholars, researchers, and innovators from both countries, underlining the need for joint efforts to make artificial intelligence accessible, ethical, and beneficial for all.

The summit focused on strengthening Indo-French cooperation in education, research, and innovation. Pradhan highlighted the importance of advanced research and innovation for long-term prosperity, sustainable development, and global stability. He expressed confidence that the high-level meeting would further cement strategic ties and open new opportunities in academic and scientific fields.

Pradhan also emphasized that India-France relations would serve as a major force for global welfare and stability. He noted that transforming bilateral ties into a “global strategic partnership” would accelerate cooperation in the coming decades, reflecting the deep commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron to a rules-based international order.

A joint declaration of intent covering 21 sectors—including critical minerals, clean energy, digital technology, defence, and skill development—was welcomed as a step to strengthen collaboration. The initiative is expected to foster professional cooperation, drive transformation across sectors, and pave the way for digital, scientific, and economic progress.

Pradhan further stated that this partnership would enrich cooperation in education, scientific knowledge, research, innovation, cyberspace, healthcare, AI, emerging technologies, and start-ups, contributing to a smarter and more prosperous future.

Also Read: AI Will Make India a Knowledge Superpower: Dharmendra Pradhan

On the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Pradhan met Anne Bouverot, France’s Special Representative for AI, and expressed satisfaction over fruitful discussions to deepen collaboration in AI research, innovation, and technology. He stressed the need for a human-centric, responsible, inclusive, and trustworthy AI framework to drive global development and prosperity.