India, France Upgrade Ties to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’; 21 Agreements and Joint Helicopter Production Announced
Mumbai: India and France on Tuesday raised their bilateral engagement to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held wide-ranging talks in Mumbai and unveiled 21 major collaborative initiatives spanning defence, emerging technologies, innovation, startups, critical minerals, advanced materials, healthcare and skill development.
During the visit, the two leaders also virtually inaugurated the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line, a Tata-Airbus joint manufacturing facility located in Karnataka.
Prime Minister Modi said the project marked a proud moment, noting that India and France would jointly build in India the only helicopter capable of operating at altitudes comparable to Mount Everest and supply it worldwide.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the facility will boost India’s aviation manufacturing ecosystem, generate employment, enhance skill training and strengthen the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) initiative.
Partnership Expanded Amid Global Uncertainty
Describing France as a vital partner, Modi stated that the relationship between the two nations is among India’s oldest strategic partnerships and has gained new momentum in recent years with President Macron’s cooperation.
He said the upgraded status reflects confidence and shared long-term vision.
He added that in an unpredictable global environment, the partnership would contribute to international stability and progress, remarking that cooperation between the countries extends “from the depths of the oceans to the highest mountains.”
President Macron called India one of France’s most dependable partners and highlighted expanding defence collaboration — from Rafale fighter aircraft to submarine projects — while reaffirming joint commitment to combating terrorism and upholding international law.
Aerospace Collaboration and Industrial Cooperation
The new assembly line at Vemagal is expected to enhance India’s domestic aerospace production capacity and deepen industrial collaboration between the two countries.
The facility will manufacture H125 helicopters for civil and public service roles such as medical evacuation, policing and passenger transport.
The first India-assembled H125 helicopter is scheduled for delivery in early 2027, and the aircraft will also be exported to markets across South Asia.
New Technology and Education Initiatives
The two leaders announced the establishment of:
- Indo-French Centre for AI in Health
- Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology
- National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics
Modi described these as long-term platforms designed to shape future innovation ecosystems.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the leaders held productive discussions covering security, defence, trade, investment, joint manufacturing, supply chains for critical minerals, research collaboration and education. He termed the partnership upgrade a milestone reflecting the depth of bilateral relations.
Wider Geopolitical Context
Referring indirectly to global geopolitical shifts, Modi observed that the world is experiencing uncertainty and emphasised that cooperation between India and France acts as a stabilising influence.
Macron, who arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, will travel to New Delhi to participate in the AI Impact Summit.
He is also scheduled to interact with students, researchers, startups and investors working in artificial intelligence.
Modi recalled his previous visit to Marseille in France, highlighting historical connections, including the landing of Indian soldiers during World War I and the dramatic escape attempt by freedom fighter Veer Savarkar from British custody.
He further noted that 2026 marks a significant phase in India-Europe relations, pointing to the recently signed India-EU Free Trade Agreement — in which France plays a key role — describing it as the largest and most ambitious trade pact in India’s history.
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