India-France to develop ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’

metro india news  I new delhi

India and France have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone in their longstanding ties. This announcement came during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India on February 17, 2026, where he held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai.

The leaders made the declaration during a joint press interaction following their meetings, which also included the inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. PM Modi welcomed President Macron to Mumbai, describing the city as India's "gateway" and highlighting the symbolic parallel to Marseille, France's major port, which he visited the previous year. A key highlight of the day was the virtual inauguration of India's first private-sector helicopter final assembly line for Airbus H125 helicopters in Karnataka, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus.

PM Modi noted that India and France will together produce the world's only helicopter capable of operating at Mount Everest's heights and export it globally. PM Modi highlighted recent achievements, including India's ambitious free trade agreement with the European Union, which will accelerate momentum in India-France ties. New agreements aim to avoid double taxation, boost mutual investment, trade, and mobility. The Year of Innovation seeks to transform the partnership into one centered on people, fostering collaboration in defense, clean energy, space, emerging technologies, startups, MSMEs, student exchanges, and joint research centers.

Specific initiatives include centers for AI in health, digital science and technology, and skilling in aeronautics, alongside strengthened cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. PM Modi underscored the partnership's role in global stability, combining France's expertise with India's scale to develop trusted technologies and support multilateral efforts like the International Solar Alliance, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and joint development projects.

President Macron, on his fourth official visit to India, thanked PM Modi for the warm welcome and echoed the elevation to a Special Strategic Partnership, describing the relationship as "remarkable and unique," built on trust, openness, and ambition. He highlighted joint initiatives over the past eight years, including in the Indo-Pacific, technology without hegemony, the rule of law, IMEC, artificial intelligence, and the International Solar Alliance.

Macron stressed technology transfer, defense collaborations (such as Rafale, submarines, helicopters, and fifth-generation fighter engines), space, civil nuclear energy, high-speed rail, and innovation. He announced plans for deeper R&D centers, startup collaborations, and events like an AI in health inauguration at AIIMS. He also welcomed the recent EU-India free trade agreement and expressed interest in easing transit visas and enhancing cultural ties.