NEW DELHI: India and France on Tuesday elevated their bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership,” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing the relationship as a “force for global stability” amid rising geopolitical turbulence after the meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai.
Following comprehensive talks in Mumbai during Macron’s three-day visit, the two sides announced 21 outcomes spanning defence, critical minerals, high technology, renewable energy, health, skilling, startups and advanced materials.
“The world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability. We are combining France’s expertise and India’s scale,” Modi said.
He added that the two nations share a “very special relationship” built on trust and shared democratic values. “Together with President Macron, we have given this strategic partnership unprecedented depth and energy. Based on this trust and shared vision, today we are establishing our relationship as a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’,” he said.
A key highlight of the visit was the virtual inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter final assembly line at Vemagal in Karnataka. The facility, set up by Airbus in collaboration with Indian partners, is expected to strengthen India’s aeronautical manufacturing capabilities, boost workforce skilling and generate employment.
“Today’s inauguration of the helicopter assembly line in India is another shining example of this deep trust. We are proud that India and France will jointly manufacture the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest. And we will also export it to the entire world,” Modi said.
“In other words, the India-France partnership knows no boundaries; it can reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountains.”
The agreements signed include enhanced defence cooperation, collaboration in critical minerals and advanced materials, and expanded engagement in clean energy and health sectors.
Both sides also launched the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’ initiative to deepen people-to-people and startup linkages.
Macron described India as one of France’s most trusted partners and underlined the expanding defence relationship. “From Rafale jets to submarines, we are expanding defence cooperation,” he said, reaffirming joint commitment to combating terrorism and upholding the rule of law.
Referring to global flashpoints including Ukraine, West Asia and the Indo-Pacific, Modi said both nations support a multipolar world and reforms of global institutions.
“Whether in Ukraine, West Asia, or the Indo-Pacific, we will continue to support all efforts for peace in every region,” he said, reiterating a shared commitment to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.
The leaders’ meeting, which included a joint drive through Mumbai in a show of personal rapport, reflected a partnership that both sides said is now poised to shape regional and global outcomes.
