Mumbai, February 17: India and France have elevated their long-standing friendship to a new level. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron upgraded their bilateral relations to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership‘ during high-level talks.
In a joint press conference, it was announced that this partnership signifies deeper cooperation in defense, innovation, trade, technology, and people-to-people connections. Both leaders described this collaboration as a force for global stability and progress.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed President Macron in Mumbai, often referred to as India’s ‘Gateway to the World.’ He emphasized that the relationship between the two democracies is based on trust, shared values, and a common vision for the world.
“France has been one of India’s oldest strategic partners, and now both countries are committed to advancing this partnership beyond traditional diplomacy for global peace, prosperity, and technological advancement,” Modi stated.
One of the key outcomes of this visit was the inauguration of the H125 helicopter assembly line in Vemgal, Karnataka. This facility will manufacture helicopters capable of operating in high-altitude and challenging conditions.
These helicopters will not only meet India’s needs but will also be exported globally, enhancing India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
The project will create job and skill development opportunities for Indian youth and provide a new pathway for MSMEs to participate in the global supply chain, thus reinforcing the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat‘ (Self-Reliant India).
Defense cooperation also received a significant boost during this visit. India and France upgraded their defense cooperation agreement, increasing the potential for co-design, co-development, and co-production of advanced defense platforms.
As a significant step, India’s Bharat Electronics Limited and France’s Safran company will establish a joint venture.
This initiative will strengthen India’s domestic defense industry, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance access to high-precision weapons.
Both leaders also agreed to establish an annual dialogue process for foreign ministers, enabling regular reviews of the enhanced partnership and the implementation of the Horizon 2047 roadmap.
Through this mechanism, both sides will assess ongoing cooperation and focus on areas such as education, culture, skills, and mobility, ensuring that the benefits of the partnership reach the youth of both countries.
Marking 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, both nations launched the India-France Innovation Network, aimed at connecting businesses, startups, incubators, research institutions, and industry leaders.
In the technology sector, both parties announced collaboration in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
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