New Delhi/Mumbai, February 17 India and France elevated their ties to a "special global strategic partnership" on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron vowing to significantly increase bilateral cooperation in areas of defense, trade, and technology in the face of growing geopolitical instability.
The two leaders also virtually inaugurated an assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka, to manufacture Airbus H125 helicopters.
Modi hosted Macron for extensive talks in Mumbai, hours after the French leader arrived in the city on a three-day visit to India.
"India and France share a very special relationship. France is one of India's oldest strategic partners. And together with President Macron, we have given this strategic partnership unprecedented depth and energy," the prime minister said in his media statement.
"Based on this same trust and shared vision, we are today establishing our relationship as a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership," he said.
Modi also made a reference to the H-125 helicopter assembly line.
"We are proud that, together, India and France will manufacture in India the world's only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest and export it to the entire world," he said.
"The year 2026 is a turning point in the relations between India and Europe. Just a few days ago, we signed the largest and most ambitious Free Trade Agreement in India's history with the European Union," he said.
The prime minister described the India-France relationship as a force for global stability.
"The world is currently facing a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability," he said.
In his remarks, Macron said that India is one of France's most trusted partners.
"From Rafale jets to submarines, we are expanding defense cooperation," he said.
"Both our countries firmly believe in the rule of law, and this has been demonstrated in the recent years," he noted.
Macron said that India and France will continue to cooperate to combat terrorism.
