Modi, Macron elevate India-France ties to special global strategic partnership

French President Emmanuel Macron met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on Tuesday, 17 February, elevating bilateral ties to what both leaders called a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” and expanding cooperation across defense, artificial intelligence, space and advanced manufacturing.

The meeting, part of Macron’s three-day visit to India, came against the backdrop of geopolitical fragmentation and intensifying competition over technology and supply chains. In a joint statement, the two sides said they were committed to “strengthening their strategic partnership across all domains” and deepening coordination on global challenges.

Modi said the upgraded relationship reflected “mutual trust, shared democratic values and a common vision for a stable, multipolar world.”

Macron described India as “a key partner for France in the Indo-Pacific and globally,” adding that the partnership would be “a stabilizing force in an uncertain world.”

Defense cooperation dominated the talks. India is advancing plans to procure 114 additional Rafale fighter jets from France in what would be one of the country’s largest defense acquisitions.

While no final contract was signed during the visit, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to closer defence industrial collaboration, including co-development and co-production of advanced platforms.

The leaders also inaugurated the final assembly line for Airbus H125 helicopters in Karnataka, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus Helicopters.

Modi said the facility would strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities, adding that India aimed to produce helicopters capable of operating “even in high-altitude regions.”

Technology and artificial intelligence formed another pillar of the engagement. The visit coincided with India’s AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where both governments have sought to position themselves as advocates of responsible and human-centric AI.

The joint statement underscored cooperation in digital public infrastructure, AI research and innovation, as well as critical technologies.

Macron extended a formal invitation to Modi to attend the 52nd G7 Summit in France in June 2026, reinforcing India’s growing role in global economic and security discussions.

Beyond defense and technology, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in renewable energy, civil nuclear power, critical minerals and education exchanges.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has crossed $15 billion annually, and both leaders expressed support for accelerating negotiations on the India-EU free trade agreement.

The visit marked Macron’s fourth trip to India and came as Paris and New Delhi seek to hedge against geopolitical uncertainty by building durable, issue-based partnerships.

For India, France remains a key European defence supplier and a partner in the Indo-Pacific. For France, India represents both a major market and a strategic counterweight in Asia.