Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron announce deeper cooperation in defence, innovation, climate, trade and global security during official visit from 17–19 February 2026.
At the invitation of Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, paid an official visit to India from 17 to 19 February 2026. During the visit, President Macron participated in the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026 and held detailed bilateral talks with the Prime Minister in Mumbai.
This marked President Macron’s fourth visit to India. On 17 February 2026, both leaders jointly inaugurated the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation.
On this occasion, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.” They said this new status reflects their shared ambition to act as a force for global good and to promote prosperity, resilience, and security in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The leaders recalled that both countries celebrated 25 years of Strategic Partnership in 2023 and adopted the Horizon 2047 Roadmap to guide cooperation until 2047, which will mark 100 years of India’s independence and diplomatic relations between the two countries. They also established an annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue to review progress in economic security, global affairs, and people-to-people exchanges.
Defence and Security Cooperation
India and France reaffirmed their deep and long-standing defence partnership. The two leaders agreed to intensify joint research, co-design, co-development, and co-production of advanced defence platforms in air, naval, and land systems.
They welcomed the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets and appreciated the growing cooperation between French defence company Safran and Indian partners, including HAL. They also jointly inaugurated the H125 Final Assembly Line in India, a major milestone under the Make in India initiative.
The leaders praised the success of the Scorpène submarine programme and welcomed continued cooperation in submarines. They also highlighted regular bilateral military exercises such as Varuna, Shakti, and Garuda.
Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms. President Macron condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and the November 2025 terror incident near Red Fort, New Delhi. Both sides reaffirmed cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts through the United Nations and FATF platforms.
Innovation, AI and Technology
The 2026 India-France Year of Innovation will promote collaboration in artificial intelligence, science and technology, healthcare, sustainable development, and digital sectors. Both leaders welcomed the launch of the India-France Innovation Network to connect startups, incubators, academic institutions, and industries of both countries.
President Macron congratulated Prime Minister Modi on successfully organizing the AI Impact Summit 2026. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to secure, trustworthy, and inclusive artificial intelligence and stressed the need to bridge the global AI divide.
They also welcomed cooperation in space between ISRO and CNES, cyber dialogue initiatives, and collaboration in critical and emerging technologies.
Climate Action and Energy Partnership
India and France reaffirmed their strong commitment to the Paris Agreement and global climate action. They agreed to work closely to limit global temperature rise and to promote sustainable lifestyles.
Both countries welcomed cooperation under the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. They also agreed to deepen civil nuclear cooperation, including discussions on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant project and collaboration in Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Modular Reactors.
The leaders supported biodiversity protection, expansion of marine protected areas, and implementation of the global biodiversity framework.
Economic and Trade Relations
The two leaders welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a historic step. They said the agreement would strengthen trade and investment between India, France, and Europe.
They also welcomed the amendment to the bilateral tax treaty to avoid double taxation and encourage greater investment. Trade and business cooperation continue to expand in aerospace, energy, digital technologies, logistics, and telecom sectors.
President Macron invited Prime Minister Modi to participate in the G7 Summit to be hosted by France in 2026. The Prime Minister accepted the invitation and reaffirmed India’s commitment to constructive global engagement.
Global and Regional Issues
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. They called for reformed and effective multilateralism and stressed the urgent need for United Nations Security Council reforms. France reiterated its strong support for India’s permanent membership in the UNSC.
On Ukraine, both leaders expressed concern over the ongoing war and supported a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy. They also discussed developments in Iran and the situation in Gaza, supporting humanitarian aid delivery and reaffirming commitment to a two-state solution.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
India and France emphasized stronger educational, scientific, and cultural cooperation. Both countries aim to increase the number of Indian students in France to 30,000 by 2030.
The leaders welcomed progress on the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum and cooperation on the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal. They also supported cultural exchanges, exhibitions, and creative industry partnerships.
The establishment of the Special Global Strategic Partnership opens a new chapter in India-France relations. Both leaders expressed confidence that the strengthened partnership will contribute to international peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
Source: PMO
