New Delhi: India and France have jointly launched the Indo French Centre for AI in Health, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral collaboration in healthcare innovation and artificial intelligence.
The Indo French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) was inaugurated by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare J P Nadda and Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, at AIIMS, New Delhi.
The Indo French Centre for AI in Health is a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing AI-driven research, medical education and clinical innovation to address complex healthcare challenges.
The establishment of the Indo French Centre for AI in Health represents a milestone in India–France cooperation in digital health and reinforces Bharat’s vision of emerging as a global leader in equitable and technology-enabled healthcare solutions.
High-Level Engagement During RUSH 2026
The launch of the Indo French Centre for AI in Health coincided with the high-level academic and scientific meetings – Rencontres Universitaires Et Scientifiques De Haut Niveau (RUSH) – held on February 18–19, 2026, at AIIMS, New Delhi, coordinated by the French Embassy.
A dedicated session titled “Indo-French Forum: AI in Brain Health and Global Healthcare” brought together leading scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and academic leaders from both countries to deliberate on advancing AI-led health research through the Indo French Centre for AI in Health framework.
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Indo French Centre for AI in Health: Institutional Partnerships and Academic Collaboration
The Indo French Centre for AI in Health has been established pursuant to a Joint Memorandum of Understanding signed between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University and Paris Brain Institute.
The initiative also draws academic collaboration from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and leading French institutions, promoting interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, brain health and global healthcare systems.
The Indo French Centre for AI in Health builds upon ongoing institutional cooperation between India and France in priority areas such as Digital Health, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Human Resources for Health and the responsible use of health data.
Collaborative efforts between research bodies and digital health institutions aim to enhance scientific discovery, strengthen evidence-based policymaking and promote capacity building and mobility partnerships.
Indo-French Forum and Youth Innovation
The Indo-French Forum during RUSH 2026 aims to promote an integrated approach to global mental health challenges and enrich research ecosystems through cross-mobility of students, faculty, and researchers across the Indo-Pacific region.
The Indo French Centre for AI in Health is expected to serve as a cornerstone platform for these academic and research exchanges.
As part of the RUSH 2026 programme, a special 30-minute conversation titled “RUSH – Conversation on Artificial Intelligence” was held between Emmanuel Macron and two young Indian innovators, Priyanka Das Rajkakati and Manan Suri.
The interaction, moderated by Clara Chappaz, French Ambassador for AI and Digital, highlighted youth-led innovation, cross-border collaboration, and the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in shaping inclusive and sustainable global futures.
The programme also featured 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.
The session showcased milestones and emerging avenues of collaboration in higher education, research, and innovation, reflecting the depth of the Indo-French knowledge partnership supported by initiatives such as the Indo French Centre for AI in Health.
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President Macron Emphasizes Sovereign and Ethical AI
In his address, President Emmanuel Macron underscored the importance of building sovereign AI capacity and talent in both countries.
He highlighted the transformative potential of ethical AI adoption, particularly in healthcare, to enhance productivity and accelerate scientific discovery through platforms like the Indo French Centre for AI in Health.
The President stated, “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 further 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 emphasized responsible governance frameworks, safeguards for children, greater transparency in algorithms to address bias and democratic risks, and the preservation of linguistic diversity in AI systems – areas where India and France share common priorities.
Strengthening Bilateral Healthcare Cooperation
Subsequently, Emmanuel Macron 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.
