India and France have elevated their bilateral ties to a new level by announcing a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’, reaffirming their shared commitment to global stability, prosperity, and a rules-based international order. The announcement was made during the Mumbai visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, following a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lok Bhavan.

Addressing the media, both leaders expressed their resolve to deepen cooperation across strategic sectors. On the occasion, they virtually inaugurated the assembly line of Tata Advanced Systems for the Airbus H125 helicopter in India, marking a significant milestone in defence and aerospace collaboration.

Prime Minister Modi described India–France relations as being founded on trust and noted that the partnership now contributes meaningfully to global stability. He highlighted that 2026 will be a decisive year for India–Europe relations, with the European Union Free Trade Agreement expected to boost bilateral trade. He also announced new initiatives, including Indo-French centres for AI in health, digital science, and aeronautics skill development, alongside joint innovation hubs in defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies.

President Macron said that the partnership is based on mutual trust, openness, and shared ambition, adding that both countries are aligned on free trade, counter-terrorism, and technology cooperation, making the India–France relationship stable, reliable, and future-oriented.