Mumbai, September 27, 2025 : The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI)
successfully hosted its 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at
Sofitel Mumbai, under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow: Showcasing
Indo-French Synergies for a Sustainable Future.” The flagship event brought
together over 400 C-level leaders from the Indo-French business
ecosystem and was honoured by the presence of H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou,
Ambassador of France to India.
As one of India’s most active bilateral chambers,
IFCCI continues to strengthen Indo-French trade relations and investments,
promoting collaborations in innovation, sustainability, and technology.
Strategic Messages from Leaders
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Mr. Thierry
Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, said: “With 716 French
companies registered in India and more than 1000 establishments, France stands
as one of the top ten foreign investors in the country. Here in Mumbai, the
beating heart of India’s economy, we are proud to stand alongside Indian and
French businesses that are shaping the future together. France and India share
a common vision for sustainable growth and innovation, which will be furthered
during the India-France Year of Innovation in 2026. By creating more structured
innovation corridors between France and India, we will not only be
strengthening our bilateral ties but also positioning our partnership at the
forefront of global innovation.”
Mr. Kaustubh Dhavse, Chief Advisor (Investments and
Strategy) to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, said: “France and Maharashtra share a partnership built on trust,
innovation, and a shared vision for a sustainable future. With nearly 40% of
India’s FDI coming to Maharashtra, and with French companies already thriving
here, we see France as a co-creator of our growth story. Together, French
excellence and Maharashtra’s scale will shape the future of industry,
technology, and sustainability.”
The AGM featured two strategic and high-level panel
discussions on “Innovation Strategies Driving Sustainable and Inclusive
Growth” & “AI & Digital Innovation for Future-Ready
Businesses”. These sessions were led by CEOs of leading French companies
operating in India, highlighting practical pathways for businesses to integrate
innovation and sustainability into their growth strategies.
Mr. Jean Touboul, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard
India and re-elected President of IFCCI,
said: “As we gather for this year’s AGM, the Indo-French relationship
stands as a testament to what can be achieved when businesses, governments, and
communities unite on innovation. Together, we can transform challenges into
opportunities, creating a sustainable and impactful future.”
India–France Year of Innovation 2026
A major highlight of the event was the India–France
Year of Innovation 2026, a bilateral initiative aimed at strengthening
cooperation in artificial intelligence, deep-tech, clean energy, sustainable
mobility, space, and defence. The initiative will feature joint
research projects, industry collaborations, and innovation-driven events
that connect startups, corporates, researchers, and policymakers from both nations
– leveraging India’s scale and digital strengths with France’s R&D
and industrial expertise.
“With IFCCI approaching its 50th milestone, the
Chamber’s vision is to continue to enhance bilateral business ties between
India and France and to play a pivotal role in advancing positive economic
growth across sectors.” said Payal S.Kanwar, Director General, IFCCI.
Sectoral Engagements
On the sidelines of the AGM, IFCCI convened closed-door
roundtables and committee meetings across eight sectors: CFO, Food &
Agri, Consumer Goods & Services, HR, Higher Education, Technology,
Mobility, and Industries. With 17 active committees led by CXOs of
French companies in India, IFCCI continues to create meaningful dialogues,
share best practices, and address key advocacy issues to support the
Indo-French business community.
The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(IFCCI), India’s most active bilateral chamber, is also one of the most active
chambers in the global network of French Chambers, CCI France International,
which includes 126 chambers across 95 countries. IFCCI won its 6th
international award in May this year, received by Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director
General, in Paris for its CSR department.
About IFCCI
Established in 1977, the Indo-French Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) is part of a global network of 126 French
Chambers (CCIFI) across 95 countries, representing over 37,000 companies. As
one of the most active bilateral chambers in India, IFCCI is a private
association dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial trade relations between
India and France. IFCCI serves as a dynamic business platform for over 800
member companies, with a broader network of more than 7,000 individual members.
Headquartered in Mumbai, IFCCI operates six offices in New Delhi, Bengaluru,
Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad.
