At a time when the world is going through a phase of uncertainty, the Indo-French partnership is a force for stability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Mumbai on Tuesday (February 17, 2026).
He was addressing a joint press briefing with French President Emmanuel Macron at Lok Bhavan. Mr. Macron emphasised the importance of mutual partnership to fight hegemony. Terming France as one of the oldest strategic partners of India, PM Modi called the relationship ‘very special’.
The two leaders held bilateral discussions, signed MoUs and virtually inaugurated the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line at Bengaluru from Lok Bhavan. Earlier in the day, Mr. Macron surprised Mumbaikars by going on a jog for several kilometres along South Mumbai’s promenade – Marine Drive. He thereafter paid tributes to the victims of the 26/11 terror attack of 2008 at the Taj Mahal Palace. He then had a cinema-themed lunch with a few film personalities.
While addressing the joint press briefing with PM Modi, Mr. Macron emphasised on the collaboration in defence, nuclear power, technology transfer, student exchange, and research.
Mr. Modi announced the launch of three centres — Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics. “These are not just institutions, but future-building platforms,” PM Modi said.
Turning point
He termed the year 2026 a turning point in Indo-European relationship, adding that the biggest and most ambitious Free Trade Agreement in India’s history was signed with the EU a few days ago. Mr. Macron too spoke of the significance of the Indo-EU FTA.
After the virtual inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line at Bengaluru, the PM said he was proud that India and France would together manufacture and export the world’s only helicopter which flies up to the height of Mount Everest.
Special global strategic partnership between India and France: Macron
Mr. Macron said that this is a “special global strategic partnership between India and France”. He said that it isn’t just strategic, but also for global progress.
“Helicopter assembly line inauguration showcases our deep relationship. We will together manufacture a helicopter flying to Mt Everest. India-France relationship knows no boundaries. It can reach the depths of the ocean and the heights of the skies,” he said.
Saying that India and France’s partnership is one of “shared prosperity”, Mr. Macron said that, “2026 is a turning point in our relationship. We are making agreements to make sure that trade, investment and mobility are increased. This is shared prosperity. Strategic partnership to turn to partnership of people. This will be through the collaboration of people. May it be defence, clean energy.”
“We will launch an Indo-French centre for AI in health, for digital science technology, steel, and aeronautics. These are future building platforms,” he added.
“The world is going through uncertainty and turmoil. We are developing trusted technology. IMEC, joint development project. Both countries believe in a multilateral world,” he said.
“Our SMEs and startups, too, have a new goal. Rafale, submarines, and helicopters’ assembly line in collaboration with Tatas or the 5th generation engines. We are working together with India,” he said.
Regarding nuclear power, Mr. Macron said that “whether it is the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project or any other projects, we will support India”. “We will find a new way which is against hegemony,” he said.
He also said, “We are trusted partners in creating a High speed rail network.”
“The talks we have had are very ambitious. There should be more technology transfer. We want all related industries to work together,” he added.
Regarding the 2027 horizon roadmap, he said, “In new technology and innovation, our goals are aligned. Students and researchers’ exchange will be smoother. New centres of joint innovation will be opened. In Delhi, I am going to attend a meeting with all the top academics,” he said.
Welcoming the Indo-EU FTA, Mr. Macron said, “Till a few years ago, our relations weren’t developing rapidly. But we are identifying ways in which we can develop our ties rapidly,” he said.
“Our belief system is synchronous. We welcome the Indo-EU FTA. We want to walk together. We want to give a model to the world about how to work together. AI should respect each other and the diversity. The algorithms should be transparent,” the French President said.
Condemning terrorism, he said, “As per the charter of U.N., we condemn terror and terror organisations.”
“France is chairing G7, like India is chairing BRICS. That is why I have invited Mr Modi. The youth of India and scientists should come together. We want to better our relationship, particularly in trade,” he said.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi on Tuesday (February 17) held wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to boost ties in key sectors such as trade, defence, energy and critical technologies.
Mr. Macron landed in Mumbai early this morning on a three-day visit to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi and meet PM Modi.
The French President’s visit comes days after India cleared a long-pending proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a government-to-government framework with France.
It has been billed as one of the world’s biggest military procurement programmes in recent years.
It is learnt that shoring up defence cooperation and enhancing bilateral engagement in the critical technology sector are priority areas to take forward the ties.
“Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress,” PM Modi said on social media earlier in the day in response to a post by Mr. Macron.
(with inputs from PTI)
Published – February 17, 2026 05:23 pm IST
