India and France unite to launch AI Health Hub at AIIMS Delhi

In a landmark step towards deepening India-France collaboration in digital health, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday inaugurated the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.  

IF-CAIH is envisioned as a pioneering platform to advance AI-driven research, medical education, and clinical innovation. The centre aims to address complex healthcare challenges by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between Indian and French institutions. It will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, capacity building, and the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence in medical science. 

Speaking at the inauguration, President Macron underlined the strategic importance of developing sovereign AI capabilities. He said, "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. 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." 

The launch coincided with the Rencontres Universitaires et Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (RUSH) 2026, a high-level academic and scientific forum held at AIIMS on February 18 and 19, coordinated by the French Embassy. A key session titled “Indo-French Forum: AI in Brain Health and Global Healthcare” brought together scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and academic leaders from both countries to deliberate on collaborative solutions in global health and neuroscience. 

The IF-CAIH has been established under a joint Memorandum of Understanding between AIIMS, Sorbonne University, and the Paris Brain Institute, with additional collaboration from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and other leading French institutions. The partnership builds upon ongoing India-France cooperation in priority areas such as digital health, antimicrobial resistance, human resources for health, and the responsible use of health data. 

As part of the RUSH 2026 programme, President Macron also interacted with young Indian innovators, including Priyanka Das Rajkakati and Manan Suri, during a session moderated by Clara Chappaz, French Ambassador for AI. The interaction highlighted youth-led innovation and the growing momentum for cross-border collaboration in Artificial Intelligence. 

Another special segment focused on major scientific and academic cooperation highlights between France and India. Moderated by Prof. Vijay Raghavan and Dr Thierry Coulhon, Chairmen of RUSH, the session showcased key milestones and emerging opportunities in higher education, research, and innovation, reflecting the depth of the Indo-French knowledge partnership. 

Reaffirming India’s commitment to AI-enabled healthcare, Union Health Minister JP Nadda emphasised the centre’s potential to drive innovation, strengthen capacity building, and promote global knowledge exchange. 

President Macron also posted on X, stating, "In Delhi, we are inaugurating the Franco-Indian Center for Artificial Intelligence in Health, jointly led by AIIMS, Sorbonne University, and the Paris Brain Institute. Research, training, innovation: France and India are harnessing AI for the common good!” 

The launch of the IF-CAIH underscores the shared vision of India and France to harness artificial intelligence ethically and inclusively, positioning healthcare innovation at the heart of their strategic partnership.

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.