Modi–Macron talks mark new strategic phase in India–France partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Feb 17 that India and France have elevated their longstanding strategic relationship to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, signalling a deeper and more multi-sectoral alignment between the two democracies. The leaders made the announcement after wide-ranging talks in Mumbai, where Macron is on an official visit.

The upgraded partnership coincides with the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, a flagship initiative designed to deepen collaboration across defence, technology, clean energy, education, startups, critical minerals and culture.

PM Modi described the relationship as a “force for global stability” amid a shifting geopolitical environment and emphasised shared democratic values and mutual trust as the basis of the partnership.

As part of the elevation, the two sides announced a package of 21 agreements and declarations spanning cooperation in key areas such as artificial intelligence in healthcare, critical minerals supply chains, double taxation relief, aeronautics skilling, renewable energy, and advanced materials.

A major industrial highlight was the virtual inauguration of the H125 helicopter final assembly line at Vemagal in Karnataka, a joint effort by Airbus and Indian partners.

The facility is expected to boost India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities, create skilled jobs, and establish India as a hub for export of aircraft capable of operating at high altitudes.

The leaders also agreed on a joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited and French defence firm Safran to produce HAMMER missiles in India, and reaffirmed commitments to enhanced defence cooperation, including reciprocal deployment of officers and expanded collaboration on next-generation technologies.

The India-France Year of Innovation framework will support student and researcher exchanges, joint innovation centres and startup networks, and collaboration on emerging technological platforms including artificial intelligence and digital sciences. Both sides also announced plans to establish new bilateral innovation centres focused on AI in healthcare and digital science and technology.

Macron said France remains one of India’s most trusted partners and highlighted expanding cooperation “from Rafale jets to submarines”, underscoring the defence dimension of the partnership.

The leaders also reiterated their shared commitment to global challenges, including peace efforts in Ukraine, West Asia and the Indo-Pacific, and the need for global governance reforms aligned with democratic values.

The two nations also highlighted the importance of closer cooperation with the European Union, particularly after India and the EU concluded negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement, a move expected to further reinforce economic engagement.