Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 18 (ANI): India and France on Tuesday elevated their bilateral relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, announcing wide-ranging cooperation across critical minerals, defence manufacturing, advanced technologies, innovation, space, clean energy, and industrial collaboration.
Indian Ambassador to France Sanjeev Kumar Singla said that both countries have agreed on a Joint Declaration of Intent for cooperation in critical minerals, alongside the creation of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group and a Letter of Intent to establish a Centre on Advanced Materials between India’s Department of Science and Technology and the French research institution CNRS.
“On critical and emerging technology, we have decided to constitute a joint advanced technology development group, as well as a joint declaration of intent for cooperation in critical minerals. There is also a letter of intent to establish a centre on advanced materials between our Department of Science and Technology and the French institution CNRS,” Singla said, adding that an amendment to the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement between the two countries has also been signed.
According to a joint statement issued by India and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to deepen cooperation in the exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling of critical minerals and rare earths to build diversified, sustainable, responsible, and resilient supply chains. Both leaders recognised the central role of critical minerals in enabling a green and digital economy, emerging technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
Prime Minister Modi said the India–France partnership is vital for “global stability and progress” following bilateral talks held in Mumbai. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said discussions covered cooperation in industry, defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies, along with plans to strengthen networks between startups and MSMEs, facilitate student and researcher exchanges, and establish new joint innovation centres.
“Held wide-ranging talks with President Macron in Mumbai. Ours is a partnership for global stability and progress,” Modi said, noting that the relationship has now been elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
As a major milestone under the Make in India initiative, both leaders jointly inaugurated the H125 Final Assembly Line, India’s first private-sector helicopter manufacturing facility. The project brings together Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus, and will serve India’s domestic market while exporting to third countries. Modi highlighted that the helicopter is capable of flying at extreme altitudes, including the heights of Mount Everest.
The leaders also inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 at the Gateway of India in Mumbai, marking a new phase of people-to-people, cultural, scientific, and industrial collaboration. Modi said the Year of Innovation reflects the transformation of bilateral ties into a partnership driven by innovation and public participation.
Addressing the India-France Innovation Forum, President Macron lauded defence ties between the two nations, saying India and France have “chosen each other on land, at sea, and in the sky.” He described France as a steadfast partner of India’s Make in India programme, citing cooperation on next-generation engines, multi-role helicopters, combat aircraft, submarines, and space technologies.
“This is not just a defence contract, but a series of defence contracts. We speak about what a sovereign alliance is—two great nations choosing each other by conviction,” Macron said.
The French President confirmed ongoing collaboration on Rafale fighter jets, submarines, and fifth-generation fighter aircraft engines, emphasising technology transfer and strategic autonomy. Both leaders welcomed progress on the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets and appreciated partnerships involving Safran, HAL, Bharat Electronics Limited, and the establishment of MRO facilities for LEAP and M-88 engines.
Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 6th India–France Annual Defence Dialogue with his French counterpart, during which the two sides renewed their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years and signed an MoU for manufacturing HAMMER missiles in India.
Macron also highlighted cooperation in space, referencing the TRISHNA satellite, and stressed that innovation must serve the common good by improving everyday life, health, and safety. Calling France “the only clear answer” to India’s search for innovation partners, Macron said Paris intends to stand with New Delhi for the long term.
As the Mumbai leg of his visit concluded, President Macron departed for New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam. Prime Minister Modi also returned to the national capital after concluding his engagements in Mumbai. (ANI)
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