In a landmark step to advance global healthcare innovation, Union Health Minister J P Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The initiative aims to drive AI-powered research, medical education, and clinical innovation to address complex healthcare challenges.
The launch coincided with the Rencontres Universitaires Et Scientifiques De Haut Niveau (RUSH 2026), a high-level academic and scientific meeting bringing together scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and academic leaders from India and France. A dedicated session, “Indo-French Forum: AI in Brain Health and Global Healthcare,” highlighted opportunities for interdisciplinary research in AI, brain health, and global health systems.
IF-CAIH was established under a Joint Memorandum of Understanding between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University, and Paris Brain Institute, with collaboration from IIT Delhi and leading French institutions. The centre strengthens ongoing bilateral efforts in digital health, antimicrobial resistance, human resources for health, and the responsible use of health data. The initiative also promotes academic exchanges, research mobility, and cross-border capacity building.
President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of building sovereign AI capabilities, stating, “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 highlighted ethical AI adoption, transparency in algorithms, child safety, and preservation of linguistic and cultural diversity as shared priorities.
The inauguration included an interaction between President Macron and young Indian innovators, Priyanka Das Rajkakati and Manan Suri, underscoring the role of youth-led innovation in shaping inclusive and sustainable AI-driven healthcare solutions. Nadda reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in AI-enabled global health and leveraging shared expertise to build resilient, technology-driven health systems.
The IF-CAIH marks a major milestone in India–France collaboration, reinforcing India’s vision of becoming a global leader in equitable, AI-powered healthcare solutions while advancing research, innovation, and international partnerships in health technology.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
