Mumbai/New Delhi, Feb 17: India and France on Tuesday elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” following wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai.
The two leaders held what were described as productive discussions covering strategic affairs, defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, joint manufacturing, critical minerals supply chains, research and development, and education. In a major outcome, both sides announced 21 key agreements and initiatives spanning defence, technology and innovation, startups, advanced materials, health, skilling and critical minerals.
Marking a significant milestone, Modi and Macron jointly announced the upgrade of the India–France partnership to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, reflecting what they termed the “depth and breadth” of ties between the two countries.
The leaders also virtually inaugurated an H125 helicopter assembly plant in India. The facility is expected to strengthen India’s aeronautical manufacturing capabilities, promote skill development, generate employment and boost the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!”
Earlier, welcoming the French leader’s visit, Modi had expressed confidence that the engagements in Mumbai and later in Delhi would give fresh momentum to bilateral ties. “India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress,” he wrote.
President Macron, who arrived in Mumbai on a three-day visit to India, also shared a message while en route. He said business leaders and representatives from economic, industrial, cultural, and digital sectors were accompanying him, underscoring the “real, tangible life” of the India–France partnership. Macron is scheduled to travel to New Delhi on Wednesday for further official engagements.
The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the French President, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating that the visit would help advance a stronger India–France strategic partnership. The French leader was received at Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister and the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat.
Key Outcomes
Political & Strategic
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Upgrade of India–France ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
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Decision to establish an annual Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue to review implementation of the elevated partnership and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
Technology & Innovation
– Launch of the India–France Year of Innovation.
– Launch of the India–France Innovation Network.
Defence & Security
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Inauguration of the H125 Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka.
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Renewal of the India–France Defence Cooperation Agreement.
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Joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran to produce HAMMER missiles in India.
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Reciprocal deployment of officers between the Indian Army and French Land Forces.
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Constitution of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group.
Critical & Emerging Technologies
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Joint Declaration of Intent on cooperation in Critical Minerals and Metals.
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Letter of Intent between India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and CNRS to establish a Centre on Advanced Materials.
Economy, Science & Skilling
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Amending Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement.
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Letter of Intent between T-Hub and Nord France on start-up and innovation cooperation.
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MoU for scientific collaboration between DST and CNRS.
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Joint Declaration of Intent to establish an Indo-French Centre for Digital Sciences and Technology.
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Launch of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS New Delhi.
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Letter of Intent between DBT and ANRS on cooperation in infectious diseases and global health research.
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Agreement to establish an Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences.
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Letter of Intent to set up a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics.
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Renewal of MoU on Renewable Energy Cooperation between India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the French Ministry for the Economy and Energy.
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Letter of Intent between India’s Department of Posts and La Poste.
