Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday characterised India’s relationship with France as a pillar of global stability after comprehensive discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai.
He stated that at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, cooperation between the two nations contributes significantly to international balance and peace.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister explained that bilateral ties have progressed well beyond traditional statecraft and now represent a dynamic partnership rooted in collaboration between the people of both countries.
A major outcome of the meeting was the announcement of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, which will guide joint initiatives in the coming years.
PM Modi underlined that meaningful innovation emerges through shared effort and cross-border cooperation.
He said, “Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, but through collaboration. The goal is to link Indian and French startups, MSMEs, and research centres to solve global challenges in clean energy and digital health.”
He also described France as a reliable and vital partner for India in the Indian Ocean region.
The theme of strategic autonomy featured prominently in the dialogue. The Prime Minister referred to the establishment of the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line in India as evidence of deepening industrial cooperation aligned with the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ approach.
Both sides assessed progress under the Horizon 2047 framework, with particular attention to joint manufacturing of advanced defence systems.
Conversations included collaboration on HAMMER precision-guided munitions and the proposed acquisition and production of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft.
As the talks coincided with the AI Impact Summit 2026, PM Modi highlighted mutual efforts to advance sovereign artificial intelligence that remains secure, ethical and supportive of developing nations. He noted that earlier strategic discussions in Marseille are now evolving into practical industrial partnerships in India.
The Prime Minister further emphasised the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement concerning the Russia-Ukraine war and developments in Gaza, pointing to a broad alignment in perspectives between India and France on these global matters.
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