PC: (France 24, Awaz the Voice)
India and France have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone in their ties. This upgrade reflects deepening cooperation across defense, artificial intelligence (AI), technology, energy, and global issues amid a rapidly changing world order.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day official visit to India from February 17-19, 2026, concluded with this historic announcement. The visit, his fourth to India since taking office, focused on shifting from traditional buyer-seller relations to joint production, innovation, and shared strategic visions -particularly in defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative and “sovereign and inclusive” Al development.
Key Defense and Industrial Breakthroughs
A major highlight was the move toward co-production in defense. PM Narendra Modi and President Macron inaugurated India’s first private-sector helicopter manufacturing facility: a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for H125 helicopters in Vemagal, Karnataka. This facility is operated by Tata Advanced Systems in partnership with Airbus.
Other significant agreements included:
A joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran to manufacture HAMMER missiles in India. Advanced discussions on procuring 114 additional Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, emphasizing at least 50% indigenous content. Progress on acquiring 26 Rafale-Marine jets for the Navy and additional Scorpene-class submarines.
These deals signal a strategic pivot toward collaborative manufacturing and technology transfer, strengthening India’s defense self-reliance.
Al, Technology, and Innovation Focus
Al emerged as a central theme. President Macron was a key participant at the Al Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where he lauded India’s “India Stack” as a global benchmark for digital identity and payments.
Key initiatives launched include:
The Indo-French Centre for Al in Health at AIIMS, New Delhi. The “India-France Year of Innovation 2026” in Mumbai to foster startup ecosystems, research, and collaboration. A joint commitment to developing secure, trustworthy Al that addresses the global digital divide and promotes sovereign capabilities. France’s adoption and expansion of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was also highlighted to simplify transactions for Indian tourists.
Economic, Diplomatic, and Resource Cooperation
The leaders signed an amendment to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to boost bilateral investments. They also inked a Joint Declaration of Intent on critical minerals and rare earths exploration and processing.
Diplomatically, President Macron invited PM Modi to the G7 Summit hosted by France later in 2026. Space cooperation was reaffirmed through the TRISHNA satellite project.
Climate, Energy, and Global Alignment
Both nations recommitted to the Paris Agreement, renewable energy, and civil nuclear cooperation-including the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). They welcomed joint efforts under the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, both based in New Delhi.
On the Indo-Pacific, they emphasized a free, open, and rules-based order, with closer coordination via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and trilaterals with Australia and the UAE.
The leaders expressed concern over the Ukraine war, calling for dialogue-based peace, supported a two-state solution in West Asia, and condemned terrorism with France extending solidarity after recent attacks in India.
Strengthening People-to-People Connections
Cultural and educational ties were prioritized. France aims to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030 (up from 10,000). New initiatives include academic partnerships, skill development, and a National Centre of Excellence in Aeronautics in Kanpur. Cultural exchanges will intensify through exhibitions, museum collaborations, and celebrations marking 30 years of strategic partnership in 2028.
This Special Global Strategic Partnership positions India and France as pivotal partners in addressing technological shifts, sustainable development, and global governance challenges in the coming decades. The visit underscores their shared commitment to strategic autonomy, innovation, and a multipolar world.