In a landmark moment for bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday. The leaders’ high-profile meeting underscored the deepening strategic partnership between India and France, elevating it to new heights of global collaboration.
The duo inaugurated the India-France Innovation Forum-2026, a platform poised to drive joint advancements. PM Modi shared details of their comprehensive discussions on social media platform X, highlighting talks on critical sectors including industry, defense, clean energy, space exploration, and emerging technologies.
‘Our partnership is vital for global stability and progress,’ Modi posted. He emphasized building robust networks between startups and MSMEs, enhancing student and researcher exchanges, and establishing new joint innovation centers. A standout achievement was the inauguration of a helicopter assembly line in India, symbolizing the profound friendship between the two nations.
Modi proudly noted that this facility produces the world’s only helicopter capable of reaching Everest’s altitudes, now ready for global export. ‘From ocean depths to mountain peaks, India-France ties know no bounds,’ he declared.
Looking ahead to 2026, Modi described it as a pivotal year for India-Europe relations, with the EU free trade agreement set to supercharge India-France bonds. The leaders signed a double taxation avoidance pact, paving the way for increased investments and business flows.
Further milestones include the launch of India-France centers for AI in healthcare and digital science-technology, alongside a national center of excellence for aviation skills development. These initiatives exemplify visionary cooperation, promising mutual growth and innovation in the years to come.