NEW DELHI, India, Feb. 19 (ANI) — Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that relations between India and France have reached their “highest point,” highlighting the strength of their Special Global Strategic Partnership and expressing both nations’ commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Macron said bilateral ties have significantly strengthened in recent years through frequent high-level engagements and shared strategic priorities.
“This is my fourth bilateral visit as president; the Prime Minister has also visited several times. We have seen each other more than twenty times, and in recent years we have consolidated a very strong relationship,” Macron said, referring to his interactions with Narendra Modi.
He said the partnership is anchored in a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region and a mutual commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy and stability.
“As for the bilateral relationship, I really believe it’s at the highest point. And we want to do much more again because it’s based on our relations,” Macron said, adding that he has invited Modi for a state visit to France in June, where he will also attend the Group of Seven summit as a special guest.
Macron underscored defense cooperation as a central pillar of the partnership, noting India’s interest in acquiring and co-producing additional Rafale fighter jets, with the “Make in India” initiative playing a key role in future production.
“We don’t have just a strategic partnership; we have a Special Global Strategic Partnership, which is unique both for India and France,” Macron said. “India confirmed its willingness to order a new batch of Rafales and to co-produce them. ‘Make in India’ will be core in this new order.”
He added that France is committed to increasing indigenous manufacturing in India and strengthening collaboration in maintenance and defense production.
“We are extremely committed to having the maximum number of Indian components and manufacturing the maximum number of critical devices in India,” Macron said, noting that such efforts would strengthen India’s capabilities while creating jobs and reinforcing strategic cooperation.
Macron also highlighted ongoing defense collaborations, including submarine programs and aviation projects, and pointed to a joint venture between Airbus and Tata Group to manufacture H-125 helicopters in India.
“Defense is clearly a pillar of this relationship,” he said, noting France’s previous delivery of Scorpène submarines to the Indian Navy and ongoing discussions to expand cooperation.
Addressing broader geopolitical and technological issues, Macron emphasized the importance of free speech grounded in transparency and mutual respect.
“I do believe in free speech. But free speech means I will listen to you, and you will listen to me. We are in an equal relationship,” he said, cautioning against the misuse of algorithms that may amplify bias or promote harmful content.
In his address at the AI summit, Macron also called for greater global cooperation in artificial intelligence development, urging nations to focus on inclusive growth and shared technological progress.
“No country is bound to serve only as a market where foreign companies sell the models and download citizens’ data,” he said, emphasizing the importance of technological sovereignty and responsible AI governance.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has brought together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and researchers to strengthen international cooperation on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. (ANI)
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