Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron elevated India-France relations to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” during Macron’s official visit to India from February 17-19, 2026, marking a pivotal expansion of cooperation across defense, AI, space, and beyond. Announced after bilateral talks in Mumbai, this upgrade builds on 25 years of strategic ties and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, positioning the duo as a force for global stability amid uncertainty.
Visit Highlights
Macron’s fourth trip to India included inaugurating the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation in Mumbai and attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026, co-chaired previously by both leaders in Paris 2025. The leaders launched an Indo-French Innovation Network, a digital platform linking startups, researchers, and investors, alongside the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health involving AIIMS and Sorbonne University.
Defense and Security Boost
Key deals finalized include procuring 26 Rafale-Marine jets, inaugurating Tata-Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line—the first private sector facility—and a Joint Advanced Technology Group for critical tech co-development. Cooperation spans submarines (Scorpene success), engines, Pinaka missiles, and exercises like Varuna, Shakti, Garuda, with new NSG-GIGN counter-terrorism ties and cyber dialogues.
Economic and Tech Pillars
Bilateral trade hit €12.67 billion; amendments avoid double taxation, boosting investments amid India-EU FTA progress. Focus areas: critical minerals (new Declaration of Intent), nuclear (SMR/AMR R&D, Jaitapur), space (ISRO-CNES synergies), railways (high-speed MoU), and AI for secure, trustworthy systems democratizing access.
Innovation and People Ties
The Year of Innovation targets sectors like aerospace, clean energy, biotech; France aims for 30,000 Indian students by 2030 via hubs like ESSEC-CentraleSupélec in Mumbai. Cultural exchanges feature Namaste France 2028, exhibitions at Guimet and Quai Branly, and Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum progress; MMPA enhances youth mobility.
Global Alignment
The partnership eyes Indo-Pacific rules-based order, IMEC, UNSC reform (France backs India’s permanent seat), Ukraine peace, Gaza two-state solution, and G7/BRICS coordination. Modi invited Macron’s G7 participation; Macron extended Africa Forward Summit invite, reinforcing multipolar collaboration
