India, France Launch AI Health Centre at AIIMS to Drive Digital Medicine

The centre will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary research and capacity building in artificial intelligence, brain health and global healthcare systems.

In a landmark step toward deepening Indo-French cooperation in healthcare innovation and emerging technologies, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri J. P. Nadda and French President H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday inaugurated the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

The new centre is a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing AI-driven research, medical education and clinical innovation to address complex healthcare challenges, positioning India and France as key partners in the global future of equitable, technology-enabled healthcare.

A Milestone in Indo-French Digital Health Collaboration

The launch of IF-CAIH marks a significant milestone in the India–France strategic partnership, reinforcing Bharat’s vision of becoming a global leader in responsible and inclusive digital health solutions.

The centre will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary research and capacity building in artificial intelligence, brain health and global healthcare systems.

Inauguration Held During RUSH 2026 Academic Summit

The inauguration coincided with the high-level academic and scientific meetings Rencontres Universitaires Et Scientifiques De Haut Niveau (RUSH), being held at AIIMS from 18–19 February 2026, 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.

Backed by AIIMS–Sorbonne–Paris Brain Institute MoU

The IF-CAIH has been established under a Joint Memorandum of Understanding signed between:

• AIIMS New Delhi

• Sorbonne University

• Paris Brain Institute

The initiative also draws academic collaboration from IIT Delhi and other leading French institutions, strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation in AI-enabled healthcare research.

Focus Areas: Brain Health, AMR and Responsible Health Data

The centre builds on existing Indo-French institutional cooperation in priority areas such as:

• Digital Health

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• Human Resources for Health

• Responsible and ethical use of health data

These collaborations aim to accelerate scientific discovery, strengthen evidence-based policymaking and expand mobility partnerships for students and researchers.

Youth Innovation Spotlight at RUSH 2026

As part of the RUSH programme, President Macron held a special conversation titled “RUSH – Conversation on Artificial Intelligence” with two young Indian innovators:

• Ms. Priyanka Das Rajkakati

• Mr. Manan Suri

Moderated by Ms. Clara Chappaz, French Ambassador for AI and Digital, the discussion highlighted youth-led innovation, cross-border collaboration and AI’s transformative potential for sustainable global futures.

Macron Calls for Sovereign, Ethical AI in Healthcare

In his address, President Macron emphasised the need for India and France to build sovereign AI capacity and trusted talent pipelines, ensuring that AI serves humanity without dependence on a few global powers.

“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 stressed that AI adoption must be ethical and transparent, calling for:

• Strong protections for children

• Algorithmic transparency to address bias and democratic risks

• Preservation of linguistic and cultural diversity in AI systems

“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,” Macron added.

Strengthening Bilateral Commitment to Global Health Innovation

Following the inauguration, President Macron proceeded with a ceremonial walk through the International Centre for AI in Global Health, interacting with students and encouraging young researchers to pursue innovation-driven healthcare solutions.

Union Health Minister Shri J. P. Nadda was present throughout the programme, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening AI-enabled global health cooperation with France.

Toward Resilient and Inclusive Health Systems

The Government of India reiterated its commitment to deepening healthcare collaboration with France through shared democratic values, collective expertise and innovation.

The IF-CAIH is expected to become a cornerstone of Indo-French cooperation in AI-powered medicine, supporting resilient health systems and delivering better outcomes for people in India and across the world.