New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the India–France partnership stands out as “a force for global stability” at a time of growing
global uncertainty, as he and French President Emmanuel Macron held a joint press conference after bilateral talks.
Highlighting the depth of ties, PM Modi said India and France share a “very special relationship” built on trust, shared values and long-term strategic convergence. He described France as one of India’s oldest strategic partners and announced that the relationship is now being elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
“Today, the world is passing through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India–France partnership is a force for global stability,” Modi said, while pointing to cooperation in defence, technology, innovation and the Indo-Pacific.
After the talks and press statements at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, President Macron and I are on the way to the other programmes, which include the India-France Innovation Forum.@EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/v2PKPEgP1o
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2026
‘We will continue to support all efforts for peace’
The Prime Minister said both countries believe in democratic values, rule of law and a multipolar world order, and are aligned on the need to reform global institutions. “We will continue to support all efforts for peace — be it in Ukraine, West Asia or the Indo-Pacific — and remain committed to eradicating terrorism in all its forms,” he said.
Emphasising the defence and aerospace cooperation, Modi said India and France will jointly manufacture in India a helicopter capable of operating at Mount Everest heights for global export. He also announced the launch of three new joint platforms — the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics — calling them “future-building platforms, not just institutions”.
Calling 2026 a turning point in India–Europe ties, Modi added that India recently concluded its “largest and most ambitious” free trade agreement with the European Union.
It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day! @EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/edPKuLdn0f
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2026
‘Technology partnership, strategic autonomy shared pillars’
President Macron stressed technology partnership and strategic autonomy as shared pillars. He said cooperation spans Rafale jets, submarines, aero-engines, space and high-speed rail, with a strong push for technology transfer and joint innovation. He also reaffirmed joint efforts against terrorism and support for multilateralism under the UN Charter.
“Whether it’s the Rafale, submarines, or the engines for fifth-generation fighter jets, there are many areas where we are working together with India. We believe in technology transfer, and we have tried to do the same, as you desired. We both believe in strategic autonomy,” Macron said.
Macron invites PM Modi for G7 summit
Macron invited Modi to the upcoming G7 Summit in France and said innovation, AI, research collaboration and student exchanges will be central to the next phase of the partnership.
“2026 will further accelerate our relationship. You are chairing BRICS. France is chairing G7. I have invited PM Modi to the G7 summit,” he added further.
Earlier, PM Modi and President Macron held bilateral talks on issues concerning both nations at Mumbai’s Lok Bhawan. The French PM is on a three-day official visit to India, he is scheduled to take part in the AI Summit in Delhi on Thursday.
