Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday announced more than 20 agreements and outcomes across defence, technology, skilling, trade and health sectors following wide-ranging bilateral talks. The announcements came after a high-level summit meeting aimed at deepening the India–France strategic partnership amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
President Macron is on a three-day official visit to India, during which he is also scheduled to attend the AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi and hold multiple engagements with Indian leadership and industry stakeholders. Both leaders emphasised that the partnership between the two countries has evolved into a stabilising force in global affairs.
Ties elevated to Special Global Strategic Partnership
Addressing a joint press conference after the talks, Modi described France as one of India’s oldest and most trusted strategic partners. He said the bilateral relationship has gained “unprecedented depth and energy” in recent years and is now being elevated further.
He announced that India and France have agreed to position their engagement as a “Special Global Strategic Partnership,” reflecting expanded cooperation not only in defence and security but also in innovation, clean energy, critical technologies and people-to-people exchanges.
Modi said that at a time when the world faces instability and supply chain disruptions, stronger India–France cooperation contributes to global balance and resilience. He stressed that mutual trust and long-term alignment of interests form the foundation of the partnership.
Macron, on his part, said the relationship is built on trust, openness and shared ambition, adding that both countries see each other as dependable long-term partners across sectors.
India–France Year of Innovation announced
A key highlight of the summit was the launch of the India–France Year of Innovation initiative. Modi said the programme is designed to transform the strategic partnership into a more people-centric and innovation-driven collaboration.
He noted that innovation ecosystems in both countries will be connected more closely through structured partnerships involving startups, MSMEs, researchers, students and industry bodies. Focus areas will include defence technologies, clean energy, space, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
Under this initiative, the two countries will establish multiple joint platforms, including an Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, an Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics. Officials said these centres are intended to support research, talent development and product innovation.
Major defence and aerospace boost
One of the major outcomes announced during the summit was progress in defence-industrial cooperation. A joint venture between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems to establish a final assembly line for H125 helicopters in Karnataka was virtually inaugurated by the two leaders.
Modi said the helicopter model is known for high-altitude capability and will be manufactured in India for both domestic use and global exports. He described the project as a milestone in India’s push for advanced aerospace manufacturing and defence self-reliance.
The summit also took place days after India cleared a proposal to procure 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework, one of the largest defence acquisition programmes in recent years. Macron said defence cooperation — covering fighter jets, submarines and advanced systems — continues to be a central pillar of bilateral ties.
Cooperation in AI, Indo-Pacific and clean energy
Both leaders highlighted growing collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital governance and critical technologies. Macron said India and France share a common vision for responsible AI development and open technology ecosystems governed by democratic values and rule of law.
They also reiterated cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on maritime security, resilient supply chains and freedom of navigation. Joint initiatives in climate and solar energy were also reviewed, including progress under the International Solar Alliance, which was co-founded by India and France.
Macron referred to multi-country connectivity and infrastructure initiatives such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, saying both nations support transparent and sustainable connectivity frameworks.
Cultural and heritage collaborations
Expanding cultural ties also formed part of the outcomes. Modi announced that India will soon open a Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in France to promote Indian culture, languages and academic exchange. The two sides will also collaborate on heritage and museum projects, including work related to India’s National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal.
French First Lady Brigitte Macron accompanied the President on the visit. The delegation was received on arrival by senior state leaders, including the Maharashtra Governor and Chief Minister.
Conclusion
With over 20 agreements and institutional initiatives announced, the latest India–France summit has significantly widened the scope of bilateral cooperation — from defence and aerospace to AI, skilling and innovation. Both sides signalled that the upgraded partnership will focus on long-term technology collaboration, strategic stability and deeper people-level engagement, positioning the relationship for the next phase of global influence.