Mr. Clifton Menezes, Executive Vice-President, CAPGEMINI INDIA

The Role of AI in Revolutionizing Indo-French Industries

The rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have triggered transformative changes across industries worldwide, and the Indo-French industrial collaboration is no exception. With their unique strengths and shared vision for innovation, both India and France, are leveraging AI to redefine traditional sectors, enhance productivity, and pave the way for a sustainable future.

India, known for its IT prowess and skilled workforce, and France, recognized for its strong engineering capabilities and cutting-edge research, are combining forces to integrate AI into key industries.

According to the European skills forecast report, The Artificial Intelligence (AI) market in France is expected to see a significant growth in the coming years. Forecasts show a 27.67% increase from 2025 to 2030, reaching approximately $826.70 billion by 2030, indicating a substantial need for AI expertise while demonstrating the country's commitment to integrate AI across all industries for innovation and efficiency.

According to a BCG report, India is leading the world in AI adoption at 30%, surpassing global average of 26%. India is investing heavily in building this capability and its swift adoption of AI is redefining its competitive edge globally.

This Indo-French confluence can help maximize the benefits of AI across industries.

In manufacturing, for instance, AI-powered predictive maintenance systems are optimizing production processes and reducing downtime – becoming a cornerstone for Industry 4.0 use cases. French expertise in advanced robotics, coupled with India's software development capabilities – specifically AI, is enabling the creation of smart factories equipped with IoT-enabled devices and machine learning algorithms. An IT Services organization in India is partnering with a French leader in 3D design and simulation software, to build digital twin solutions that are being leveraged in factories of manufacturing firms across the globe.

In the automotive sector, the Indo-French alliance is powering the shift towards autonomous vehicles and intelligent transportation systems. An IT firm in India is working with one of the largest auto clients in France to enhance vehicle safety, improve navigation, and design energy-efficient models through AI. Indian startups are collaborating more with French automakers towards the adoption of AI-based solutions, from self-driving cars to real-time traffic management systems.

AI-driven diagnostics and personalized medicine has revolutionized the healthcare sector. Indian healthcare providers and French research institutions are collaborating to develop AI algorithms that detect diseases at an early stage, streamline drug discovery, and optimize patient care. For example, IT organizations in India have developed solutions for healthcare clients in France to develop AI-powered imaging systems that

will improve the accuracy of cancer diagnoses, and machine learning models to help predict patient outcomes and tailor treatments.

In biotechnology, AI is facilitating breakthroughs in vaccine development and genetic research. The Indo-French partnership is particularly impactful in addressing global health challenges, as AI accelerates the development of affordable and accessible solutions for underserved populations. The startup ecosystem in India is partnering with a healthcare provide in France to accelerate drug discovery & clinical trials.

Climate change and sustainability are pressing global concerns, and AI is emerging as a key enabler in tackling these challenges. France's leadership in renewable energy technologies and India's ambitious clean energy targets are fostering collaboration on AI-powered solutions for energy efficiency. AI algorithms are optimizing the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, predicting energy demand, and improving the performance of wind and solar farms.

Smart city initiatives in both countries are also benefiting from AI applications. From optimizing waste management systems to reducing energy consumption in urban areas, AI is playing a critical role in building sustainable and resilient communities.

Despite the immense potential, the adoption of AI in Indo-French industries comes with challenges, including data privacy concerns, regulatory hurdles, and the need for a skilled workforce. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from governments, industry leaders, and academia to establish ethical frameworks, invest in skill development, and promote research collaborations. Also institutionalizing guardrails and best practices can help in instilling greater confidence and enabling faster adoption of AI to deliver greater impact.

The tech space is fast evolving towards more advanced AI-based technologies such as Generative AI and Agentic AI systems. In addition, by augmenting advanced AI tech with some of the other leading tech evolutions – be it quantum, cloud & edge computing, we open ourselves to a world of opportunities to deliver value as well as improve productivity and efficiency across industries.

The future of Indo-French industrial collaboration lies in harnessing AI to create innovative solutions that address these opportunities.

By fostering a culture of shared innovation, these two nations can set a benchmark for how technology can drive progress while respecting cultural diversity and ethical considerations.

In this evolving AI landscape, the Indo-French partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration to shape a smarter, more sustainable, and inclusive world.