Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron formally upgraded the India-France relationship to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, marking a historic “turning point” in bilateral relations. President Macron made the announcement at high-level discussions at Mumbai’s Lok Bhavan, his first stop in the financial city and his fourth trip to India. Reiterating their dedication to the Horizon 2047 goal, the leaders outlined an ambitious roadmap in the areas of health, technology, and defense.
Important agreements were reached, such as innovations in defense production to help India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat project. With the first “Made in India” H125 light utility helicopter anticipated by 2027, the leaders essentially opened India’s first private helicopter Final Assembly Line in Vemagal, Karnataka. Safran of France and Bharat Electronics (BEL) also decided to manufacture HAMMER precision-guided missiles in India. Pune will see the establishment of a new Center of Excellence for maintenance for the Indian Air Force and Navy.
India and France renewed their Defence Cooperation Agreement, strengthening ties between the Indian Army and French Land Forces. The visit also marked the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, focusing on defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies. PM Modi highlighted cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials, and recalled the historical links in Marseille from World War I. President Macron called the partnership “boundless,” emphasizing shared prosperity. Key outcomes include new initiatives in defence, critical minerals, advanced materials, an Innovation Network, and a Joint Technology Development Group.
