Modi, Macron hold bilateral talks, elevate strategic ties to special status

Both Modi and Macron also virtually inaugurated the assembly line for the production of Airbus H125 helicopters at Vemagal in Karnataka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday vowed to strengthen the partnership between the two nations across multiple sectors, ranging from defence, trade, technology and critical minerals.

 

In a joint press briefing after their bilateral meeting, Macron said, "Our bilateral relationship is truly exceptional and unique. Throughout today’s discussions, we have reaffirmed that our partnership is based on trust, openness and ambition. We have decided to elevate it to a Special Strategic Partnership and give it a new status."

 

Macron also said that France wants to be a trusted partner of India so that the industries in both nations can deliver unique cooperation.

 

PM Modi remarked, "The relationship between India and France is very special. France is one of India’s oldest strategic partners. Together with President Macron, we have given this strategic partnership unprecedented depth and momentum. On the basis of this trust and shared vision, today we are establishing our relationship as a Special Global Strategic Partnership. This partnership is not just strategic. In today’s turbulent times, it is a partnership for global stability and global progress."

Modi, Macron inaugurate Airbus facility

This is Macron's fourth visit to India since his election in 2017. Both leaders also virtually inaugurated the assembly line for the production of Airbus H125 helicopters at Vemagal in Karnataka. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will be building the helicopters for India. The H125 is the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, designed for diverse uses such as passenger transport, emergency medical services, disaster relief, tourism, law enforcement, and aerial work.

 

PM Modi said the assembly line is a "shining" example of the trust between India and France. "We are proud that India and France together will manufacture in India the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest," he said, adding that the helicopters manufactured in the Indian facility will also be exported across the world.

 

Both leaders also formally inaugurated the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, a programme announced during Macron’s 2024 state visit to India to deepen collaboration among startups, research institutions and industry stakeholders in both countries.

 

PM Modi said the initiative would help transform the India-France strategic partnership into a people-centric partnership driven by innovation and collaboration.

 

"Be it space or emerging technologies, we will connect our industries and innovators across every sector. We will build strong networks between startups and MSMEs, and further facilitate exchanges among our students and researchers. Along with this, we will establish new centres for joint innovation. Today, we are also strengthening our cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology and advanced materials," PM Modi said.

 

The Prime Minister also termed the year 2026 as a "turning point" in India-Europe ties. "Just a few days ago, we signed the most ambitious FTA in India’s history with the European Union. This partnership between the two sides will prove to be a force for global stability amid global uncertainty," he said.

 

Macron, who is on a three-day visit to India, arrived in Mumbai on Monday evening. He is also slated to attend the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Thursday.