Modi, Macron Elevate India–France Ties to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have elevated bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, marking a significant milestone in India–France relations. Macron’s fourth state visit to India has been described as a breakthrough moment, reflecting the deepening trust and alignment between the two nations in a rapidly changing global order.
During high-level talks and official engagements, both leaders underscored their shared vision of strengthening sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and resilience through enhanced cooperation in key sectors.
A “Force for Global Stability”
Hosting President Macron in Mumbai’s Lok Bhavan, PM Modi described the India–France relationship as a “force for global stability” in an increasingly uncertain world.
According to a joint government statement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific has emerged as a critical geopolitical and economic theatre, where India and France share common interests in maritime security, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.
The elevation to a Special Global Strategic Partnership signals a long-term, future-oriented collaboration that extends beyond traditional diplomacy into advanced technology, defence manufacturing, and innovation ecosystems.
Defence remains a cornerstone of India–France ties. The two countries renewed their agreement on defence cooperation to ensure continued collaboration between the Indian Army and the French Land Forces through reciprocal officer deployments.
In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing ambitions, the leaders virtually inaugurated India’s first private helicopter final assembly line in Karnataka’s Vemagal. The facility will produce the H125 light utility helicopter, with the first “Made in India” unit expected by 2027. The project reflects India’s push for indigenous defence production under its broader self-reliance agenda.
Additionally, India’s Bharat Electronics Limited and France’s Safran signed an agreement to produce HAMMER precision-guided missiles in India. This move is expected to strengthen India’s defence capabilities while enhancing technology transfer and local manufacturing expertise.
The two nations also agreed to establish a Centre of Excellence in Pune focused on manufacturing and maintenance support for the Indian Air Force and Navy, further institutionalising defence-industrial collaboration.
Expanding Cooperation in Critical Technologies
Beyond defence, the partnership has expanded into cutting-edge sectors. Both countries decided to establish a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group, aimed at accelerating collaboration in emerging technologies.
A Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Metals was also announced. With global supply chains facing disruptions, securing access to critical minerals has become essential for industries such as semiconductors, renewable energy, and electric mobility.
In the scientific domain, a Letter of Intent was signed to establish a Centre on Advanced Materials between India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). This initiative will foster collaborative research in high-performance materials, nanotechnology, and sustainable innovations.
Clean Energy and Space: Future-Focused Engagement
Clean energy and space technology have emerged as key pillars of the upgraded partnership. India and France have already been long-standing collaborators in civil nuclear energy and space missions. The renewed focus aims to accelerate joint research in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and climate-resilient technologies.
In space cooperation, both sides are expected to enhance collaboration between their space agencies in satellite launches, climate monitoring, and maritime surveillance. These initiatives align with global efforts to tackle climate change and strengthen disaster management capabilities.
Connecting Industries, Startups, and Youth
PM Modi emphasised that the partnership would not be limited to government-to-government engagement. “Whether it’s defence, clean energy, space, or emerging technologies, we will connect our industries and innovators in every field,” he said.
A strong focus has been placed on fostering networks between startups and MSMEs in both countries. Plans are underway to facilitate greater exchanges between students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, reinforcing people-to-people ties.
New centres for joint innovation are also expected to be established, providing platforms for collaborative research, skill development, and technology incubation.
Strategic Autonomy and Global Impact
The elevation to a Special Global Strategic Partnership highlights India and France’s shared emphasis on strategic autonomy. Both countries have historically pursued independent foreign policies while advocating multilateralism and balanced global governance.
By deepening cooperation in defence manufacturing, advanced technology, and critical supply chains, the two nations aim to reinforce their decision-making autonomy and resilience against geopolitical shocks.
As global uncertainties persist, the strengthened India–France partnership sends a strong signal of cooperation between two major democracies committed to stability, innovation, and sustainable development.
The visit of President Macron has thus not only reaffirmed the depth of bilateral ties but also charted a comprehensive roadmap for collaboration in sectors that will define the future global order.
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