In a decisive step that blends diplomacy with digital ambition, India and France on February, 2026,  inaugurated the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation focused on artificial intelligence and healthcare innovation.

The centre was jointly launched by Union Health Minister Mr JP Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron during the latter’s visit to the national capital. More than a ceremonial unveiling, the event underscored a shared strategic vision: building sovereign, ethical and trusted AI systems capable of transforming global healthcare.

The IF-CAIH has been conceived as a pioneering platform to advance AI-driven research, medical education and clinical innovation, particularly in addressing complex healthcare challenges such as brain health, digital health systems and antimicrobial resistance.

It formalises academic collaboration between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University and Paris Brain Institute, with additional support from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and other leading French institutions. Together, these institutions aim to foster interdisciplinary research at the intersection of medicine, engineering and artificial intelligence.

The launch coincided with the high-level academic forum Rencontres Universitaires et Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (RUSH) 2026, coordinated by the French Embassy and hosted at AIIMS on February 18 and 19. A dedicated session titled “Indo-French Forum: AI in Brain Health and Global Healthcare” brought together leading scientists, clinicians and policymakers to deliberate on the responsible use of AI in strengthening global health systems.

In his address, President Macron delivered a pointed message on technological sovereignty and ethical governance. “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.

Emphasising that artificial intelligence must serve humanity, he called for strong protections for children, transparency in algorithms to counter bias and democratic risks, and the preservation of linguistic and cultural diversity — values that resonate strongly in both nations.

The programme also featured a special conversation between President Macron and two young Indian innovators, Ms. Priyanka Das Rajkakati and Mr. Manan Suri, moderated by France’s Ambassador for AI and Digital, Clara Chappaz. The exchange highlighted the importance of youth-led innovation and cross-border collaboration in shaping inclusive and sustainable technological futures.

Following the inauguration, President Macron took a ceremonial walk through the campus, interacting with students and encouraging young researchers to pursue innovation-driven healthcare solutions. The presence of the Union Health Minister throughout the event reinforced India’s commitment to deepening cooperation with France in AI-enabled global health.

Beyond symbolism, the establishment of IF-CAIH signals a practical and forward-looking partnership. It reflects India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in equitable, technology-enabled healthcare and France’s strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific through science and innovation.

As both nations invest in computing capacity, research mobility and responsible data governance, the centre stands as a testament to a shared belief: the future of healthcare will be shaped not merely by algorithms, but by alliances built on trust, democratic values and collective expertise.