Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron forged ahead with transformative bilateral discussions in Mumbai, culminating in over 20 landmark agreements spanning defence, trade, innovation, and clean energy. Held at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan amid Macron’s three-day visit (February 17-19), the talks elevated the longstanding partnership to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.”

Accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron and a high-powered delegation of ministers and executives, President Macron arrived late Monday, setting the stage for deepened collaboration. PM Modi hosted the French leader, emphasizing mutual trust amid global uncertainties, positioning India-France as pillars of stability.

Defence Pacts: Rafale, Helicopters, and Missiles in Spotlight

Defence emerged as the cornerstone, with advancements on the 114 Rafale fighter jet acquisition—18 flyaway and 96 under Make in India. Discussions advanced joint production of H125 helicopters via Tata-Airbus in Kolar, Karnataka, and an MRO hub for Rafales in Pune. Talks also covered Rafale-M for carriers INS Vikrant and Vikramaditya, plus HAMMER missiles and engine co-development with Safran.

These initiatives align with Atmanirbhar Bharat, fostering technology transfer and export potential to Southeast Asia. The roadmap builds on prior successes like Scorpene submarines, reinforcing Indo-Pacific security cooperation.

Innovation Year Launch: People-Centric Tech Collaboration

The duo jointly inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, a year-long festival involving 110+ French firms in quantum, semiconductors, and startups. Over a dozen MoUs were exchanged at Raj Bhavan, targeting AI, deep tech, skilling, health, and supply chains.

PM Modi hailed it as evolving the alliance into a “Partnership of the People,” with forums at Taj Mahal Palace and Gateway of India events fostering business ties in textiles, autos, and ventures. Trade, surpassing €15 billion annually, eyes further growth via CEOs Forum inputs.

Clean Energy, Space, and Broader Horizons

Beyond hardware, pacts advanced Jaitapur nuclear project, International Solar Alliance, and IMEC corridor. Space collaboration includes NSIL-Arianespace satellite launches, while clean hydrogen, decarbonized tech, and precision agriculture feature in science MoUs.

Global issues like Indo-Pacific stability, multilateralism, and rule of law underscored the dialogue. Macron praised eight years of joint strides in AI and green initiatives, with both leaders committing to Viksit Bharat@2047 synergy.

Relevance to Jammu & Kashmir and National Ecosystem

For Jammu and Kashmir, these ties promise defence jobs, tech transfer for border security, and innovation in tourism/agri-tech. Regionally, it bolsters MSMEs via French investments, aligning with national self-reliance. Macron’s Mumbai jog symbolized cultural warmth, ahead of his AI Summit 2026 role in Delhi.

As outcomes ripple, this summit cements India-France as innovation beacons, driving prosperity and security in turbulent times.