‘Balancing Innovation And Regulation’: French Special Envoy’s Praise For India’s AI Governance

France’s Special Envoy for Artificial Intelligence (AI), Anne Bouverot, praised Indian approach to AI governance saying that it is akin to that of France’s where efforts are made to strike a balance between fostering innovation and implementing necessary regulations in AI.

Speaking to news agency ANI on Thursday, she said both nations show the same spirit and that France is ready to work together with India on issues related to AI ethics, regulation and accountability.

She pointed out that no country needs to impose lessons because both countries share similar priorities in protecting citizens while promoting technological advancement.

“We’re very willing to collaborate. Nobody gives lessons to anyone. I think we ourselves are trying to find the

right balance between innovation and regulation,” she said.

“In France, it’s very important to protect personal data and privacy–it’s part of our history. But equally, it’s very important to innovate and have startups and companies grow in the AI space. This is the same spirit we see in India, and we hope to help strengthen that balance between innovation and regulation to protect our citizens, children, and workers,” Bouverot added.

Bouverot pointed to the ongoing engagement between New Delhi and Paris following the AI Action Summit held in France earlier this year when asked about how both countries are collaborating in this field.

French AI Startups To Accompany Macron During Feb Trip

“During the summit in February, there was a bilateral state visit from India. Prime Minister Modi, for example, visited Station F–the largest startup incubator in Paris–along with a number of Indian companies,” she said.

“We will make sure that, when President Macron visits India next February, we come with a number of companies and startups so they can work together,” she added.

She also stated that she would meet key members of India’s AI ecosystem, including startups and researchers, during her current visit.

Year Of French-Indian Innovation

Bouverot also declared that 2026 will be the year of French-Indian innovation, highlighting the deepening collaboration between the two nations.

“2026 will be the year of French-Indian innovation. And that’s a great opportunity to get our ecosystems, our startups, to work together,” she was quoted as saying.

India is set to host the AI Impact Summit 2026.

The India-AI Impact Summit 2026, announced by PM Narendra Modi at the France AI Action Summit this year, is scheduled to take place from February 19 to February 20 in the national capital and will be the first-ever global AI summit hosted in the Global South.