Mumbai (Maharashtra) (India), Feb 17 (ANI): India and France on Tuesday upgraded their ties to a special global strategic partnership, making a series of announcements across key sectors such as defence, technology and innovation, startups, critical minerals, advanced materials, health and skills, reflecting the growing strength of the relationship between the two countries.
Key announcements made during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the country include the launch of the annual Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue to regularly review the implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, the launch of the India-France Innovation Network, the inauguration of the final assembly line of the H125 helicopter in Vemagal, Karnataka and Safranture between HMER in India.
This resulted in an agreement on the mutual deployment of officers between the Indian Army and the French Ground Forces and the establishment of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group.
In his remarks during a joint statement with President Macron, Prime Minister Modi noted that the friendship between the two countries has “no boundaries” and the partnership can “reach from the deep oceans to the highest mountains.”
The result was an amendment to the Protocol on the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation between India and France.
Both countries agreed to a Joint Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in the Field of Critical Minerals and Metals, Letter of Intent to establish a Center for Advanced Materials between DST and CNRS.
The results included the launch of the Indo-France Year of Innovation, the launch of the Indo-France Innovation Network, the renewal of the Agreement between the Government of India and the Republic of France on Defense Cooperation, the Declaration of Intent between T-Hub and Nord France on strategic cooperation in the field of start-up ecosystems, innovation and technology, the joint Declaration of Intent on the establishment of an Indo-French Center for Science and Digital Technology. Center for AI in Health at AIIMS, New Delhi
The results also included a letter of intent between DBT and ANRS on R&D collaboration in infectious disease and global health research, an agreement to establish an Indo-French Center for Metabolic Health Sciences, and a letter of intent to establish a National Center of Excellence for Aviation Skills
The two countries signed a letter of intent between the Ministry of Posts, the Ministry of Communications and La Poste in France
In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi said he is delighted to welcome my dear friend, President Macron, to Mumbai.
“Last year he invited me to the AI Action Committee Summit in France. That time we visited Marseille, the largest port of France and the main gateway to France and the whole of Europe. Marseille is the city from where our Indian soldiers entered Europe during World War 1. Their saga of bravery is still remembered in many parts of Europe and it is the same city where the freedom fighter Savar jumped into the British freedom fighter Moda Veer.
“His act symbolized his unwavering commitment to India’s independence. I had the opportunity to remember him and pay my respects in Marseille last year. This time, when President Macron is in India for the AI Impact Summit, we are fortunate to welcome him to Mumbai, the gateway to India,” he added.
PM Modi said the India-France relationship is very crucial. “The strategic partnership between the two countries is one of the oldest and with the help of President Macron, we have recently deepened the ties and added more energy to it. Based on this trust and vision, we are elevating our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. This partnership is not only strategic. In this era of unpredictable global progress, this partnership will ensure global dynamism and stability,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister highlighted cooperation in the defense and aerospace sectors and cited the inauguration of a helicopter assembly line as proof of growing cooperation between the two nations. PM Modi and President Macron virtually started the final assembly of Tata Airbus’ H125 light utility helicopter in Vemagal, Karnataka.
“In India, the start of assembly of its helicopter is another clear example of this relationship. We are proud that India and France will build a helicopter that can take off on Mount Everest. We will also export it. The India-France partnership knows no boundaries. It can reach from the deep oceans to the highest mountains,” PM Modi said.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the special global strategic partnership between India and France is giving new wings to bilateral relations.
“PM @narendramodi held productive talks with President @Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. Discussions touched on a range of issues including strategy, defense and security, trade and investment, joint manufacturing, critical supply chain of minerals, R&D and education among others. In a milestone development, the two leaders announced that they will elevate the India-France relationship to a special global strategic partnership to reflect our depth and scope.”
The final assembly line of the H125 light utility helicopter at Vemagal is expected to strengthen India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities and further deepen Indo-French defense and industrial cooperation.
The facility is designed to produce H125 helicopters for civilian and para-public operations, including emergency medical services, law enforcement and personal transport. Delivery of the first “Made in India” H125 is expected in early 2027.