At a time when the world goes by way of a section of uncertainty, the Indo-French partnership is a power for stability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned 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 significance of mutual partnership to battle hegemony. Terming France as one of many oldest strategic companions of India, PM Modi referred to as the connection ‘very particular’.
The 2 leaders held bilateral discussions, signed MoUs and nearly inaugurated the Airbus H125 helicopter meeting line at Bengaluru from Lok Bhavan. Earlier within the day, Mr. Macron shocked Mumbaikars by happening a jog for a number of kilometres alongside South Mumbai’s promenade – Marine Drive. He thereafter paid tributes to the victims of the 26/11 terror assault of 2008 on the Taj Mahal Palace. He then had a cinema-themed lunch with a couple of movie personalities.
Whereas addressing the joint press briefing with PM Modi, Mr. Macron emphasised on the collaboration in defence, nuclear energy, expertise switch, pupil trade, and analysis.
Mr. Modi introduced the launch of three centres — Indo-French Centre for AI in Well being, Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Expertise, and Nationwide Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics. “These are usually not simply establishments, however future-building platforms,” PM Modi mentioned.
Turning level
He termed the 12 months 2026 a turning level in Indo-European relationship, including that the most important and most formidable Free Commerce Settlement in India’s historical past was signed with the EU a couple of days in the past. Mr. Macron too spoke of the importance of the Indo-EU FTA.
After the digital inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter meeting line at Bengaluru, the PM mentioned he was proud that India and France would collectively manufacture and export the world’s solely helicopter which flies as much as the peak of Mount Everest.
Particular world strategic partnership between India and France: Macron
Mr. Macron mentioned that this can be a “particular world strategic partnership between India and France”. He mentioned that it isn’t simply strategic, but additionally for world progress.
“Helicopter meeting line inauguration showcases our deep relationship. We are going to collectively manufacture a helicopter flying to Mt Everest. India-France relationship is aware of no boundaries. It may possibly attain the depths of the ocean and the heights of the skies,” he mentioned.
Saying that India and France’s partnership is one among “shared prosperity”, Mr. Macron mentioned that, “2026 is a turning level in our relationship. We’re making agreements to be sure that commerce, funding and mobility are elevated. That is shared prosperity. Strategic partnership to show to partnership of individuals. This will probably be by way of the collaboration of individuals. Might or not it’s defence, clear vitality.”
“We are going to launch an Indo-French centre for AI in well being, for digital science expertise, metal, and aeronautics. These are future constructing platforms,” he added.
“The world goes by way of uncertainty and turmoil. We’re creating trusted expertise. IMEC, joint growth undertaking. Each nations consider in a multilateral world,” he mentioned.
“Our SMEs and startups, too, have a brand new objective. Rafale, submarines, and helicopters’ meeting line in collaboration with Tatas or the fifth era engines. We’re working along with India,” he mentioned.
Concerning nuclear energy, Mr. Macron mentioned that “whether or not it’s the Jaitapur Nuclear Energy Venture or another initiatives, we’ll help India”. “We are going to discover a new manner which is towards hegemony,” he mentioned.
He additionally mentioned, “We’re trusted companions in making a Excessive velocity rail community.”
“The talks we now have had are very formidable. There ought to be extra expertise switch. We would like all associated industries to work collectively,” he added.
Concerning the 2027 horizon roadmap, he mentioned, “In new expertise and innovation, our targets are aligned. College students and researchers’ trade will probably be smoother. New centres of joint innovation will probably be opened. In Delhi, I’m going to attend a gathering with all the highest teachers,” he mentioned.
Welcoming the Indo-EU FTA, Mr. Macron mentioned, “Until a couple of years in the past, our relationships weren’t creating quickly. However we’re figuring out methods by which we are able to develop our ties quickly,” he mentioned.
“Our perception system is synchronous. We welcome the Indo-EU FTA. We need to stroll collectively. We need to give a mannequin to the world about learn how to work collectively. AI ought to respect one another and the variety. The algorithms ought to be clear,” the French President mentioned.
Condemning terrorism, he mentioned, “As per the constitution of U.N., we condemn terror and terror organisations.”
“France is chairing G7, like India is chairing BRICS. That’s the reason I’ve invited Mr Modi. The youth of India and scientists ought to come collectively. We need to higher our relationship, significantly in commerce,” he mentioned.
Earlier within the day, PM Modi on Tuesday (February 17) held wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to spice up ties in key sectors similar to commerce, defence, vitality and important applied sciences.
Mr. Macron landed in Mumbai early this morning on a three-day go to to attend the AI Influence Summit in New Delhi and meet PM Modi.
The French President’s go to comes days after India cleared a long-pending proposal to obtain 114 Rafale fighter jets underneath a government-to-government framework with France.
It has been billed as one of many world’s greatest navy procurement programmes in recent times.
It’s learnt that shoring up defence cooperation and enhancing bilateral engagement within the essential expertise sector are precedence areas to take ahead the ties.
“Welcome to India! India appears to be like ahead to your go to and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I’m assured that our discussions will additional strengthen cooperation throughout sectors and contribute to world progress,” PM Modi mentioned on social media earlier within the day in response to a publish by Mr. Macron.
(with inputs from PTI)
Revealed – February 17, 2026 05:23 pm IST
