India and France have elevated ties to an India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership after talks between Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. The upgrade marks a major expansion of cooperation in defence, artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, space, and climate action.
The new framework builds on the 1998 strategic partnership and aligns with the Horizon 2047 roadmap. Both sides will launch an annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue to strengthen coordination on economic security and global challenges.
Defence dominated the discussions. India endorsed a contract for 26 Rafale Marine jets for its navy. French firms will expand co-design and manufacturing under the Make in India initiative. A joint venture will produce HAMMER missiles in India, while new facilities will support aircraft engine maintenance. The leaders also reviewed progress on the Scorpene submarine programme and confirmed continued cooperation.
In space and cybersecurity, the two nations pledged closer collaboration between ISRO and CNES. Artificial intelligence featured strongly, with both leaders backing secure and people-centric AI development.
France reaffirmed support for India’s permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council and invited India to the 2026 G7 Summit.
