India–France ties upgraded to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’, historic deals signed in defence and AI

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): During the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India from 17 to 19 February, a new chapter was added to diplomatic and strategic relations between India and France. President Macron began his visit in Mumbai, where he held an extensive bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders later participated in the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi. The most significant outcome of the visit was the formal upgrade of India–France relations to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, reflecting deeper cooperation across multiple sectors.

Major boost to India’s defence and aerospace capabilities

To strengthen India’s push for self-reliance in defence, the two countries renewed key defence cooperation agreements. As part of this, the final assembly line for H125 helicopters was officially inaugurated at Vemgal in Karnataka. In another major step, a joint venture was approved between Bharat Electronics Limited and French company Safran for the indigenous production of HAMMER missiles to enhance the combat strength of the Indian Armed Forces.

Military cooperation was further deepened with a decision to allow reciprocal postings of officers between the Indian Army and French Land Forces. Additionally, a National Centre of Excellence for aeronautics skilling and a joint Advanced Technology Development Group were announced to promote high-end aerospace capabilities.

New initiatives in innovation, artificial intelligence and healthcare

The visit placed strong emphasis on future technologies and innovation. Both nations jointly launched the India–France Innovation Year 2026 along with a new innovation network. In the healthcare sector, a dedicated Indo-French Centre for “AI in Health” was inaugurated at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi.

Further announcements included the setting up of joint centres for Digital Sciences and Technology and Metabolic Health Sciences. The Department of Science and Technology and the French research agency CNRS signed agreements to establish an Advanced Materials Centre and expand scientific collaboration. Both sides also signed a Letter of Intent to jointly work on infectious diseases and global health research.

Consensus on economy, energy and diplomatic dialogue

To promote smoother trade and investment flows, India and France agreed on an important amendment protocol to the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement. Strategic cooperation was also agreed between India’s startup hub T-Hub and the Nord France region to support startups, innovation and renewable energy projects.

Joint declarations were issued on critical minerals and metals, while the Indian Department of Posts and France’s La Poste signed a Letter of Intent to enhance cooperation. Looking ahead, both countries agreed to conduct regular reviews of the Horizon 2047 roadmap and established an annual dialogue between their foreign ministers to maintain high-level engagement. Cooperation in the renewable energy sector was also renewed, reaffirming shared commitments to sustainable development.