India and France Inaugurate Indo

India and France on Wednesday inaugurated the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, in a landmark step to advance AI-driven research, medical education and clinical innovation in healthcare.

Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare J P Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the centre during the high-level Rencontres Universitaires Et Scientifiques De Haut Niveau (RUSH) meetings held on February 18-19, 2026, at AIIMS.

The IF-CAIH stems from a Joint Memorandum of Understanding between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University and Paris Brain Institute, with academic collaboration from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and leading French institutions. The centre promotes interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, brain health and global healthcare systems.

The initiative builds on ongoing Indo-French cooperation in digital health, antimicrobial resistance, human resources for health and responsible use of health data. It aims to enhance scientific discovery, evidence-based policymaking, capacity building and mobility partnerships.

A dedicated session during RUSH, “Indo-French Forum: AI in Brain Health and Global Healthcare”, brought together scientists, clinicians, policymakers and academic leaders from both countries to promote integrated approaches to global mental health challenges and enrich research ecosystems through cross-mobility in the Indo-Pacific region.

As part of the programme, President Macron held a 30-minute conversation titled “RUSH – Conversation on Artificial Intelligence” with young Indian innovators Priyanka Das Rajkakati and Manan Suri, moderated by Clara Chappaz, French Ambassador for AI and Digital. The discussion highlighted youth-led innovation, cross-border collaboration and AI’s transformative potential for inclusive and sustainable futures.

A special segment on “Major Scientific and Academic Cooperation Highlights between France and India” at the Jawaharlal Auditorium, moderated by Prof. Vijay Raghavan and Dr. Thierry Coulhon, Chairmen of RUSH, showcased key milestones and emerging avenues in higher education, research and innovation.

In his address, President Macron underscored the need for sovereign AI capacity. “India and France are committed to developing the computing capacity and talent necessary to build our own trusted AI systems, as we cannot rely solely on technologies created and managed elsewhere,” he said. He added: “Artificial Intelligence must serve humanity – with strong protections for children, transparency in algorithms to address bias, and a firm commitment to preserving linguistic and cultural diversity.”

President Macron then proceeded to inaugurate the International Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Global Health with a ceremonial walk, interacting with students and encouraging young researchers to pursue innovation-driven healthcare solutions. Union Health Minister J P Nadda was present throughout and joined the inauguration at IF-CAIH.

The Government of India reiterated its commitment to deepening healthcare cooperation with France, leveraging innovation, shared democratic values and collective expertise to build resilient health systems and deliver better outcomes globally.India and France today inaugurated the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, in a landmark step to advance AI-driven research, medical education and clinical innovation in healthcare.

Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare J P Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the centre during the high-level Rencontres Universitaires Et Scientifiques De Haut Niveau (RUSH) meetings held on February 18-19, 2026, at AIIMS.

The IF-CAIH stems from a Joint Memorandum of Understanding between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University and Paris Brain Institute, with academic collaboration from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and leading French institutions. The centre promotes interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, brain health and global healthcare systems.

The initiative builds on ongoing Indo-French cooperation in digital health, antimicrobial resistance, human resources for health and responsible use of health data. It aims to enhance scientific discovery, evidence-based policymaking, capacity building and mobility partnerships.

A dedicated session during RUSH, “Indo-French Forum: AI in Brain Health and Global Healthcare”, brought together scientists, clinicians, policymakers and academic leaders from both countries to promote integrated approaches to global mental health challenges and enrich research ecosystems through cross-mobility in the Indo-Pacific region.

As part of the programme, President Macron held a 30-minute conversation titled “RUSH – Conversation on Artificial Intelligence” with young Indian innovators Priyanka Das Rajkakati and Manan Suri, moderated by Clara Chappaz, French Ambassador for AI and Digital. The discussion highlighted youth-led innovation, cross-border collaboration and AI’s transformative potential for inclusive and sustainable futures.

A special segment on “Major Scientific and Academic Cooperation Highlights between France and India” at the Jawaharlal Auditorium, moderated by Prof. Vijay Raghavan and Dr. Thierry Coulhon, Chairmen of RUSH, showcased key milestones and emerging avenues in higher education, research and innovation.

In his address, President Macron underscored the need for sovereign AI capacity. “India and France are committed to developing the computing capacity and talent necessary to build our own trusted AI systems, as we cannot rely solely on technologies created and managed elsewhere,” he said. He added: “Artificial Intelligence must serve humanity – with strong protections for children, transparency in algorithms to address bias, and a firm commitment to preserving linguistic and cultural diversity.”

President Macron then proceeded to inaugurate the International Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Global Health with a ceremonial walk, interacting with students and encouraging young researchers to pursue innovation-driven healthcare solutions. Union Health Minister J P Nadda was present throughout and joined the inauguration at IF-CAIH.

The Government of India reiterated its commitment to deepening healthcare cooperation with France, leveraging innovation, shared democratic values and collective expertise to build resilient health systems and deliver better outcomes globally.