Narendra Modi, Emmanuel Macron Elevate India-France Ties to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’

 


India and France have taken a decisive step in strengthening their long-standing partnership by elevating their ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.” The announcement came during French President Emmanuel Macron’s fourth state visit to India, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Hosting President Macron at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the India-France relationship as a “force for global stability” in an increasingly uncertain world. The leaders emphasized shared democratic values, strategic autonomy, and a commitment to multilateralism as pillars of their cooperation.

According to an official government statement, the upgraded partnership aims to reinforce sovereignty and decision-making autonomy while deepening collaboration in critical and emerging sectors of the future.

Defence Cooperation at the Core



Defence has traditionally been the backbone of India-France relations, and the latest agreements further cement this pillar. The two nations renewed their defence cooperation agreement to ensure continued collaboration between the Indian Army and the French Land Forces. This includes reciprocal officer deployments, joint training, and enhanced interoperability.

In a significant boost to indigenous defence manufacturing, India’s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran signed an agreement to produce HAMMER precision-guided missiles in India. This move aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defence production while strengthening technological collaboration with France.

Additionally, the two countries agreed to establish a Centre of Excellence in Pune dedicated to manufacturing and maintenance support for the Indian Air Force and Navy. The initiative is expected to enhance operational readiness while creating skilled employment opportunities.

‘Make in India’ Gets a Boost: Helicopter Assembly Line

A highlight of the visit was the virtual inauguration of India’s first private helicopter final assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility will produce the H125 light utility helicopter, with the first “Made in India” unit expected to roll out by 2027.

This project underscores France’s commitment to local manufacturing and technology transfer in India. By fostering industrial partnerships, the initiative strengthens India’s aerospace ecosystem while contributing to job creation and skill development.

The collaboration reflects a shared vision to integrate industries and innovators across sectors, as Prime Minister Modi emphasized during the joint engagement.

Expanding Horizons: Clean Energy and Critical Minerals

Beyond defence, clean energy and sustainable development form a critical component of the enhanced partnership. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating cooperation in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and climate action.

A Joint Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Metals was also signed. This agreement seeks to ensure secure and resilient supply chains for materials essential to clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.

With global competition intensifying over access to strategic resources, India and France’s collaboration in this area strengthens their long-term economic security and sustainability goals.

Technology and Innovation: Preparing for the Future

Recognizing the importance of emerging technologies, the two countries decided to establish a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group. This body will focus on next-generation technologies, including advanced materials, digital innovation, and space cooperation.

A Letter of Intent was also signed to establish a Centre on Advanced Materials between India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and France’s CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research). The initiative will promote joint research, academic exchanges, and innovation-driven collaboration.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of connecting industries and innovators across defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies. He stressed the need to build strong networks between startups and MSMEs in both countries while facilitating exchanges among students and researchers.

The emphasis on innovation ecosystems signals a forward-looking approach aimed at harnessing talent, research, and entrepreneurship for mutual growth.

Indo-Pacific and Global Stability

A key strategic element of the upgraded partnership is the shared commitment to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Both leaders reaffirmed their support for international law, freedom of navigation, and peaceful resolution of disputes.

India and France have consistently aligned on issues of maritime security and multilateral cooperation. By elevating their ties, they signal a deeper convergence of interests in ensuring stability in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

The partnership also reflects both nations’ emphasis on strategic autonomy — maintaining independent foreign policy choices while building trusted alliances.

A Partnership for the 21st Century

The elevation to a Special Global Strategic Partnership represents more than a diplomatic upgrade; it signals a comprehensive expansion of cooperation across defence, technology, energy, and education.

From missile production and helicopter assembly to advanced materials research and critical minerals collaboration, the agreements signed during Macron’s visit demonstrate tangible progress.

As India and France navigate an era marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and technological transformation, their strengthened partnership positions them as reliable partners committed to stability, innovation, and sustainable development.

In Prime Minister Modi’s words, the India-France relationship stands as a “force for global stability” — a partnership rooted in trust, shared values, and a common vision for the future.

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