French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (ANI Image)
New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday received French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai and held bilateral talks to strengthen Indo-French relations and elevate it into a “special global strategic partnership”.
The two democracies announced a significant expansion of cooperation, unveiling more than 20 agreements.The discussions covered crucial areas, from the production of HAMMER missiles in India to the introduction of AI in health at AIIMS in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi and Macron pledged to strengthen cooperation in defence, trade and vital minerals, describing bilateral ties as a “force for global stability” amid growing geopolitical turmoil.
PM Modi and Emmanuel Macron raise Indo-France ties, inaugurate H125 line, expand strategic agenda
Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday morning, jogged on Marine Drive, and paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 terrorist attacks. The leaders worked to improve and strengthen the partnership between New Delhi and Paris. Following the talks, they also physically inaugurated an assembly line in Vimagal, Karnataka state to build Airbus H125 helicopters, which is expected to boost India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
The Foreign Office highlighted key findings, including:
- Elevating Indo-French relations into a “special global strategic partnership”
- Establishing an annual dialogue of foreign ministers to review the implementation of the partnership and the 2047 Horizon roadmap
- Launch of the Indo-French Innovation Year and the Indo-French Innovation Network
- Opening of the final assembly line for H125 helicopters in Vimagal, Karnataka
- Renewal of the defense cooperation agreement between India and France
- Launching of a joint project between BEL and Safran to produce HAMMER missiles in India
- Mutual deployment of officers in the institutions of the Indian Army and the French Land Forces
- Forming a joint group to develop advanced technology
- A joint declaration of intent for cooperation in the field of minerals and critical minerals
- Letter of intent to establish a center for advanced materials between DST and CNRS
- Amending the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation between India and France
- Letter of Intent between T-Hub and Nord France on collaboration in the startup ecosystem
- Memorandums of Understanding for Scientific Collaboration, Artificial Intelligence in Health, Digital Sciences, Metabolic Health, Infectious Disease Research, and Aviation Skills
- Renewing the memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of renewable energy
- A letter of intent between the Postal Department of the Ministry of Communications and La Poste Company in France
Macron praised the agreements and described them as a “great deal,” and this came after the recent signing of the “Mother of Agreements” between India and the European Union. Prime Minister Modi hosted Macron for talks hours after he arrived in Mumbai for a three-day visit.“The world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability. We combine France’s experience with India’s size,” the Prime Minister said.The Prime Minister stressed the depth of the relationship: “The world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the Indo-French partnership is a force for global stability. We combine France’s experience with India’s scale.”The Prime Minister added: “In cooperation with President Macron, we have given this strategic partnership unprecedented depth and energy. Building on this trust and shared vision, today we are establishing our relationship as a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’.”
This partnership is not only strategic. “In today’s turbulent era, it is a partnership between global stability and global progress.”Referring to the H125 helicopter assembly line, Prime Minister Modi said: “Today’s opening of the helicopter assembly line in India is another shining example of this profound confidence. We are proud that India and France will work together to manufacture the only helicopter in the world capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest.”
We will also export it to all the world. In other words, the Indo-French partnership knows no bounds; It can reach from the depths of the oceans to the highest mountains.
“Regarding global issues, the Prime Minister noted, “Whether in Ukraine, West Asia or the Indo-Pacific region, we will continue to support all efforts for peace in every region. This is our shared commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”He also highlighted Indo-European relations: “2026 is a turning point in Indo-European relations.
Just a few days ago, we signed the largest and most ambitious free trade agreement in India’s history with the European Union. This FTA will also bring unprecedented momentum to Indo-France relations.“In order to promote mutual investment, we are signing an agreement today so that our employees and companies do not have to pay double taxes. All these initiatives will give new impetus to mutual trade, investment and mobility.
This is the roadmap to shared prosperity.”Regarding the Indo-France Year of Innovation, he said: “With the launch of the Indo-France Year of Innovation, we will now transform our strategic partnership into a people-to-people partnership. Because innovation does not happen in isolation, but through collaboration.”Macron said that India is one of France’s most trusted partners. “From Rafale jets to submarines, we are expanding defense cooperation. Both countries firmly believe in the rule of law, and this has been demonstrated in the last few years. India and France will continue to cooperate to combat terrorism,” he said.
