Mumbai, India – India and France have elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership,” signaling a deepening commitment to cooperation across a range of critical areas, from defense and technology to trade and artificial intelligence. The announcement came during a three-day visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to India, concluding on .
The upgrading of ties, unveiled following bilateral talks in Mumbai on , reflects a shared ambition to act as a “force for global good,” according to a joint statement released by both governments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described France as one of India’s “oldest strategic partners,” emphasizing the trust and shared vision underpinning the strengthened relationship.
The move builds upon a Strategic Partnership established in 1998 and a roadmap adopted in 2023, known as Horizon 2047, which charts the course for bilateral cooperation up to 2047 – the centenary of India’s independence, the centenary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and the 50th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership. This latest elevation signifies a qualitative shift, acknowledging the increasingly complex global landscape and the need for closer collaboration.
A key focus of the discussions was defense cooperation. Agreements were signed to establish a manufacturing venture for Hammer missiles and a final assembly line for H125 helicopters within India. These initiatives are intended to bolster India’s domestic defense capabilities and reduce reliance on external suppliers, while also strengthening industrial ties between the two nations.
Beyond defense, the partnership encompasses a broad spectrum of areas. More than 20 agreements and outcomes were unveiled, covering technology, trade, skilling, healthcare, and cultural exchange. A significant element of this collaboration centers on artificial intelligence (AI), with both leaders recognizing its transformative potential and the need for responsible development and deployment.
President Macron’s visit coincided with the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where he underscored the importance of sovereign innovation and global cooperation in the field of AI. Addressing a gathering of tech leaders, Macron reportedly questioned the concentration of power within large technology companies, implicitly calling for a more distributed and equitable approach to AI development. “The question is no longer whether India innovates – it is ‘who will innovate with India?’” he declared.
The partnership also addresses broader geopolitical concerns. Prime Minister Modi stated that the India-France partnership stands as “a force for global stability” at a time of heightened international uncertainty. Both countries share a commitment to a stable, rules-based international order and are increasingly aligned on issues ranging from maritime security to counter-terrorism.
France’s support for India’s technological ambitions is particularly noteworthy. The involvement of major tech companies like Google and Nvidia, alongside Macron’s backing, signals a growing international confidence in India’s potential as an AI hub. This support is likely to accelerate India’s efforts to develop its own AI ecosystem and reduce its dependence on foreign technology.
The 2026 India-France Year of Innovation, jointly inaugurated by Modi and Macron in Mumbai on , will serve as a platform to showcase collaborative projects and foster greater exchange between the two countries’ innovation ecosystems. This initiative is expected to generate new opportunities for businesses, researchers, and entrepreneurs in both nations.
Macron’s visit marks his fourth official trip to India, following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in . This reciprocal engagement underscores the high priority both countries place on strengthening their strategic partnership. The deepening ties between India and France are not only significant for the two nations themselves but also carry broader implications for regional and global stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
The joint statement highlighted a commitment to addressing global challenges collectively, including climate change, sustainable development, and global health security. This shared approach reflects a growing convergence of interests and a willingness to work together to find solutions to pressing international issues.
The elevation to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” is a symbolic and substantive step, signaling a long-term commitment to collaboration and a shared vision for a more secure and prosperous future. The coming decades are likely to see even closer cooperation between India and France, as they navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
