The French established their first factory at Surat in 1664.
Francis Martin founded Pondicherry in 1673 and also became first governor of Pondicherry.
Henceforth Pondicherry became headquarter of French possessions in India.
In the beginning of 18th century,English & French were competing for their supremacy in India, Mainly in the Carnatic & Bengal region.
Third Carnatic War (1758-63)was a decisive war which ended French supremacy in India. According to the treaty of Paris, French in India can take part only in Trade activities and were confined to Puducherry.