India–France Ties Elevated to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’

Mumbai, February 2026 — In the evolving global scenario, India and France have resolved to strengthen global stability, prosperity, and the rules-based international order. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India–France relations are being elevated to a new status of “Special Global Strategic Partnership.”

During the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Mumbai, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron held a meeting at Lok Bhavan. Addressing the media thereafter, both leaders expressed their determination to take bilateral cooperation to new heights. On the occasion, they also virtually inaugurated the assembly line of Airbus H125 helicopters at Tata Advanced Systems in India. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and delegations from both countries were present.

Prime Minister Modi said that India–France relations are founded on trust. France is among India’s oldest strategic partners, and under President Macron’s leadership, the partnership has gained unprecedented momentum and energy. In today’s uncertain global environment, he said, this partnership goes beyond strategy and represents cooperation for global stability and progress.

Calling the inauguration of the helicopter assembly line a symbol of mutual trust, the Prime Minister noted that the only helicopter capable of flying up to the height of Mount Everest will now be manufactured in India and exported to global markets—demonstrating the partnership’s reach from deep seas to high mountains.

Prime Minister Modi stated that 2026 would be a decisive year for India–Europe relations. The recently concluded Free Trade Agreement with the European Union is expected to significantly boost India–France trade ties. Under the India–France Years of Innovation initiative, joint innovation centres will be established across defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies for industry, startups, MSMEs, students, and researchers. Cooperation will also expand in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials, alongside the establishment of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and a National Centre for Aeronautics Skill Development.

Emphasizing shared democratic values, rule of law, and faith in multilateralism, Prime Minister Modi said both countries believe global challenges can be addressed only through reforms in global institutions. He reiterated support for peace efforts in Ukraine, West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, and underscored the shared commitment to combating terrorism in all forms. He also announced the opening of a Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in France to deepen cultural exchanges.

Appealing to President Macron, Prime Minister Modi called upon both nations to work together for global stability and prosperity.

President Emmanuel Macron said the India–France partnership is built on mutual trust, openness, and ambition, and is steadily growing stronger. He welcomed the elevation of ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership and highlighted convergence in technology, defence, and trade. France, he affirmed, strongly supports free trade at the international level and backs the India–EU Free Trade Agreement. Both countries, he added, share a firm stance against terrorism.

President Macron said the partnership is stable, reliable, and beneficial to the people of both nations, with a shared resolve to make it even more impactful in the future. He also announced plans to soon establish the France–India Innovation Network, a digital platform, and a joint centre for artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Team Maverick.