India, France Elevate Ties to Global Strategic Level

• India and France elevated ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, promoting global stability and shared democratic values
• 21 agreements signed across defence, tech, clean energy, health, and startups, including the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’
• Airbus H125 helicopter line launched in Karnataka; defence cooperation strengthened from Rafale jets to submarines

India and France established a Special Global Strategic Partnership through their bilateral relationship, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a global stability force which functions during times of increased geopolitical conflict.

The leaders of India and France established 21 important results which covered multiple sectors during Macron's three-day visit, including defense, critical minerals, advanced technology, renewable energy, health, skilling, startups, and advanced materials.

India France relations have entered a new phase under the global strategic partnership framework, strengthening India France defense, expanding bilateral cooperation, deepening Indo-French ties through strategic diplomacy, and accelerating the energy partnership and technology collaboration between the two nations.

Modi stated, “The world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability. We are combining France’s expertise and India’s scale”.

“Together with President Macron, we have given this strategic partnership unprecedented depth and energy. Based on this trust and shared vision, today we are establishing our relationship as a Special Global Strategic Partnership”, he added.

Modi explained that their relationship became special because both parties built their connection on mutual trust through shared democratic principles. The virtual inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter final assembly line at Vemagal Karnataka, served as a major achievement during the visit.

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“Today’s inauguration of the helicopter assembly line in India is another shining example of this deep trust. We are proud that India and France will jointly manufacture the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest. And we will also export it to the entire world”, Modi noted.

The facility, which Airbus developed together with Indian partners, will create new jobs while advancing India's aeronautical manufacturing capacities and boosting employee development initiatives. Modi described the partnership as boundless, reaching from deep oceans to the tallest mountains.

The signed agreements establish improved defense partnerships between the two nations, which will also establish joint research programs for critical minerals and advanced materials, and execute expanded clean energy and healthcare initiatives.

The two countries established the 'India-France Year of Innovation' program to enhance their people-to-people relationships and startup partnerships.

Macron described India as one of France's most dependable allies, which showed their growing defense relationship through their acquisition of Rafale aircraft and submarines, while he reaffirmed France's dedication to fighting against terrorism.

Modi explained that both leaders supported a multipolar world, which needs global institutional reforms, while he mentioned their peace initiatives for Ukraine, West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific region.

The leaders' personal relationship, which included their shared driving experience through Mumbai, created a partnership which would produce significant effects on both regional and international matters.