India and France have officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, marking a major expansion in cooperation across defence, technology, energy, climate action, education, and economic security. The announcement came after high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai during Macron’s official visit to India from February 17 to 19.
The two leaders jointly launched the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation, reinforcing their shared focus on science, technology, and future-oriented development. Macron’s visit, his fourth to India, follows PM Modi’s earlier trip to France in February 2025, reflecting consistent diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
This upgraded framework builds on the strategic partnership established in 1998 and the Horizon 2047 roadmap adopted in 2023. Both countries agreed to institutionalize an annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue to track progress and strengthen coordination in areas such as global security, economic resilience, and people-to-people exchanges. They also reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based global order and deeper cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Defence remains a key pillar of this enhanced partnership. The two countries renewed their 10-year defence cooperation agreement and signed multiple new memorandums of understanding. These include joint production initiatives such as HAMMER missiles in India through a partnership between Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran. They also agreed on officer exchanges between their armed forces in 2026 and the creation of a joint advanced technology development group focused on co-designing next-generation defence systems. Progress was also highlighted in the Rafale-Marine aircraft procurement and helicopter development programs.
In the technology and innovation space, both nations launched the India-France Innovation Network to connect startups, research institutions, and businesses. A new Indo-French Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Health was also inaugurated at AIIMS in collaboration with French institutions, aiming to advance AI-driven healthcare solutions. The partnership further emphasizes responsible artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Economic cooperation was strengthened with an agreement to revise the Double Tax Avoidance framework, aimed at improving investment certainty and trade flow. France also agreed to expand acceptance of India’s digital payment system, enhancing convenience for travelers and businesses.
Energy and climate cooperation were reaffirmed through commitments to renewable energy, civil nuclear collaboration, and joint work on critical minerals and rare earth supply chains. Both countries also emphasized their support for global climate goals and sustainable infrastructure development.
On global issues, India and France expressed concern over ongoing conflicts and reiterated support for diplomacy, peace, and multilateral reform. They also expanded educational and cultural exchanges, with France targeting 30,000 Indian students by 2030.
This upgraded partnership marks a significant step toward deeper strategic alignment between India and France across global and regional priorities.
