Keeping in mind the changing global circumstances, India and France have resolved to strengthen global stability, prosperity and rules-based order. In this sequence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced to give the new status of Special Global Strategic Partnership to India-France relations.
During the visit of President of the Republic of France Emmanuel Macron to Mumbai, a meeting took place between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Macron at Lok Bhawan. After this, while interacting with the media, both the leaders expressed their resolve to take bilateral cooperation to new heights. On this occasion, Tata Advanced Systems’ assembly line for Airbus H125 helicopter in India was inaugurated through remote system. During this, Foreign Minister S. Delegations from both the countries including Jaishankar were present.
Partnership between the two countries important for global stability and progress: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that relations between India and France are based on mutual trust. France is one of India’s oldest strategic partners and under the leadership of President Macron, this partnership has gained unprecedented momentum and energy. He said that in today’s unstable global circumstances, this partnership is not only strategic but important for global stability and progress.
He said that the inauguration of the helicopter assembly line is a symbol of mutual trust. In collaboration with France, the only helicopter that can fly to the height of Mount Everest will now be manufactured in India and will also be exported to the global market. This will expand the capacity of partnership between the two countries from the depths of the sea to the high mountains.
EU happened with fta This will benefit India-France trade relations: Modi
Prime Minister Modi said that the year 2026 will prove to be decisive for India-Europe relations. The recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union will also give a big boost to India-France trade relations. Under the ‘India-France Years of Innovation’ initiative, joint innovation centers will be set up for industry, startups, MSMEs, students and researchers in the areas of defence, clean energy, space and emerging technology.
He said that cooperation will be increased in critical minerals, biotechnology and advanced materials. Also, ‘Indo-French Center for AI in Health’, ‘Indo-French Center for Digital Science and Technology’ and National Center for Aeronautics Skill Development will be established.
India-France believe in democratic values: Modi
PM Modi said that both India and France believe in democratic values, rule of law and multilateral system. Solutions to global challenges are possible only through reform of global institutions. He reiterated his support for all efforts for peace in Ukraine, West Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries also expressed a common commitment to end all forms of terrorism.
Emphasizing on further strengthening cultural exchange, the Prime Minister announced the opening of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center in France soon. He called on President Macron to work together for global stability and prosperity.
Partnership between France and India based on mutual trust: Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron said that India-France cooperation is based on mutual trust, openness and ambition. Both the countries have accepted a Special Global Strategic Partnership to take this relationship to the next stage. He said that both the countries have similar thinking in technology, defense and trade cooperation. France has full support for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement in support of free trade at the international level. India and France also have a similar role on the issue of joint efforts against terrorism and condemnation of terrorist organizations.
He said that India-France partnership is proving to be stable, reliable and effective in the interest of the people of both the countries. It has been resolved to strengthen it further in future. France-India innovation networks, digital platforms and joint centers for artificial intelligence in the health sector will soon be established.
