New Delhi, Feb 18: India and France formally transitioned their bilateral relationship into a “special global strategic partnership” on Tuesday following high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron. During a joint statement in Mumbai, Prime Minister Modi affirmed that this enhanced alliance serves as a foundation for global stability and progress during a period of international uncertainty.
The diplomatic engagement resulted in the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, a program designed to bridge gaps between researchers, startups, and students. To support this initiative, both nations declared the establishment of several new institutional hubs, including an Indo-French Centre for AI in Health and a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics.
“This partnership reflects a deep trust between our nations,” Prime Minister Modi stated, noting that the collaboration would focus heavily on trusted digital systems and emerging technologies.
Economic cooperation saw a significant boost with the signing of a new agreement to prevent double taxation, aimed at streamlining business mobility. The leaders also celebrated industrial milestones, such as the opening of a dedicated helicopter assembly line in India intended for the global export market.
President Macron, who is on a three-day visit ending February 19, began his Mumbai schedule with a morning jog at Marine Drive before paying respects to the victims of the 2008 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Officials maintained that these developments are a core part of the “Horizon 2047” roadmap, which guides the long-term technological and cultural trajectory of the two countries.
