India and France elevated their bilateral ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday. Following the talks, the leaders announced 21 major agreements across defence, critical minerals, technology, innovation, startups, advanced materials, healthcare, and skilling. Moreover, Modi said the strengthened partnership will deliver stability and progress despite unpredictable global dynamics. Meanwhile, Macron called India one of France’s most trusted partners and highlighted expanding defence cooperation, including Rafale jets and submarines.
Additionally, both leaders virtually inaugurated the Tata-Airbus helicopter assembly line in Karnataka. Subsequently, Macron will travel to New Delhi on Wednesday to attend an AI summit.
India, France strengthen strategic partnership:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and France will jointly manufacture a helicopter in India capable of operating at the altitude of Mount Everest. He called the project a matter of national pride and said both countries plan to export it globally.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the facility will strengthen aeronautical manufacturing and expand industrial capacity. It will also train skilled workers, create jobs, and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Officials added that the project reflects growing technology cooperation between the two nations.
Calling the partnership crucial, Modi said both sides have deepened their long-standing strategic ties in recent years. He credited support from President Emmanuel Macron for accelerating progress. Shared trust and common goals, he noted, now drive the elevation of ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
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India and France secure major outcomes from talks
India and France launched an annual Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue. The forum will track their upgraded partnership and Horizon 2047 roadmap.
Both countries renewed their defence pact and cleared a missile venture between Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran. They will also exchange army officers and form a joint technology group.
The partners issued a declaration on critical minerals and amended their tax pact. T-Hub and Nord France signed a startup and technology agreement. Both sides also signed an MoU on scientific research.
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