India and France Open Joint AI Health Centre at AIIMS New Delhi
India and France inaugurated the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at AIIMS New Delhi on Wednesday, marking a formal partnership to conduct AI research in medical education and clinical practice. Union Health Minister J P Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron opened the centre during high-level meetings held February 18-19, 2026.
The centre operates under a joint agreement between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University, and Paris Brain Institute, with additional support from IIT Delhi and other French research institutions. Its focus spans artificial intelligence, brain health, and global healthcare systems.
What the Centre Will Do
The partnership builds on existing Indo-French work in digital health, antimicrobial resistance, and data governance. The centre will conduct interdisciplinary research, support capacity building, and create mobility programs for researchers between India and France.
A dedicated forum titled "Indo-French Forum: AI in Brain Health and Global Healthcare" brought together scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and academic leaders to address mental health challenges and build research networks across the Indo-Pacific region.
Macron on AI Sovereignty
President Macron stressed the need for independent AI development. "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 also outlined conditions for responsible AI for healthcare: strong protections for children, algorithm transparency to address bias, and preservation of linguistic and cultural diversity.
Youth and Innovation
President Macron held a 30-minute conversation with Indian innovators Priyanka Das Rajkakati and Manan Suri about youth-led innovation and cross-border collaboration. The discussion focused on AI's role in creating inclusive and sustainable solutions.
During the centre's inauguration, Macron interacted with students and researchers, encouraging them to pursue healthcare innovation.
Broader Cooperation
India's government said it would deepen healthcare cooperation with France through shared expertise and democratic values. The partnership aims to build health systems that perform better globally.
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