PM Modi Describes India-France Relationship As A Force For Global Stability
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the India-France relationship as a force for global stability in an increasingly uncertain world. Mr Modi stated this during a joint press briefing following the bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai today. Prime Minister Modi emphasised that the partnership has evolved beyond traditional diplomacy into a “Partnership of the People”, specifically highlighting the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the partnership is a trusted anchor for peace. He described France as an indispensable partner in the Indian Ocean region. The Prime Minister stated that the India-France Year of Innovation is the centrepiece of their 2026 roadmap. He stressed that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, but through collaboration. He said the goal is to link Indian and French startups, MSMEs, and research centres to solve global challenges in clean energy and digital health.
The Prime Minister highlighted the inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line in India as a prime example of the “Make in India, Make for the World” vision.
Speaking on the occasion, French President Macron emphasised that the India-France relationship has reached a level of mutual trust that is unique in the world today. He said, from the deep oceans to the highest mountains, the partnership between the two countries knows no boundaries.
Launching the official India-France Year of Innovation, President Macron emphasised that the two nations are no longer just trading goods but trading ideas. He announced new incentives for Indian tech talent and startups to collaborate with French counterparts, particularly in Green Tech and Space.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron held bilateral and delegation-level talks at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai
The French President paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack at the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai,
List of Outcomes: Visit of the President of the French Republic to India
1.-Upgrading of the India-France relationship to “Special Global Strategic Partnership”
2.-Establishment of annual Foreign Ministers Dialogue for regularly reviewing implementation of the elevated partnership and Horizon 2047 Roadmap
3.-Launch of the India-France Year of Innovation
4.-Launch of the India-France Innovation Network
5-Inauguration of H125 Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka
6-Renewal of the Agreement between Government of India and French Republic on Defence Cooperation
7-Joint Venture between BEL and Safran to produce HAMMER missiles in India
8-Reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishment
9-Constitution of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group
10-Joint Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Metals
11-Letter of Intent to establish a Centre on Advanced Materials between DST and CNRS
12-Amending Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement between India and France
13-Letter of Intent between T-Hub and Nord France on strategic cooperation in start-up ecosystems, innovation and technology
14-Memorandum of Understanding for Scientific collaboration between DST and CNRS
15-Joint Declaration of Intent on establishing an Indo-French Centre for Digital Sciences and Technology
16-Launch of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS, New Delhi
17-Letter of Intent between DBT and ANRS on Cooperation in Research and Development on Infectious Diseases and Global Health Research
18-Agreement for the establishment of Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences
19-Letter of Intent to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics
20-Renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty on Renewable Energy Cooperation
21-Letter of Intent between the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications and La Poste, France
(updated on 17th Feb 2026)
