Mumbai, February 17: India and France have taken a significant step in their longstanding friendship. 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, the leaders highlighted that this announcement signifies deeper cooperation in defense, innovation, trade, technology, and people-to-people connections. They described this partnership as a force for global stability and progress.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed President Macron to Mumbai, often referred to as India’s “Gateway to the World.” He emphasized that the relationship between the two democracies is built 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 to foster 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 altitudes 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 is expected to create job and skill development opportunities for Indian youth and provide a new pathway for MSMEs to join the global supply chain, 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 agreements, increasing the potential for co-design, co-development, and co-production of advanced defense platforms.
As a pivotal 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, allowing for regular reviews of the enhanced partnership and the implementation of the roadmap for Horizon 2047.
Through this mechanism, both parties 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 nations.
Marking 2026 as the India-France Innovation Year, both countries launched the India-France Innovation Network, aimed at connecting businesses, startups, incubators, research institutions, and industry leaders.
In the technology sector, both sides announced collaboration in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
