Mumbai, Feb 17 (NationPress) French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the bond between India and France has evolved into a form of mutual confidence that is unparalleled globally.

Following a morning run at Marine Drive and paying respects to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the President convened with PM Modi to outline the upcoming decade under the Horizon 2047 initiative.

Macron stated during the bilateral discussions, “From the depths of the oceans to the peak of the mountains, the collaboration between India and France transcends borders. We are not merely allies; we are two nations united by a vision of a sovereign, independent, and multipolar world.

He reaffirmed France’s dedication to India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) program. Macron welcomed India’s recent endorsement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, highlighting that most will be “Made in India.”

Macron noted, “Our defense alliance is more than just a transaction; it’s about establishing a collaborative industrial framework for future global security.”

He celebrated the launch of the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line, marking the first such facility in India, which will manufacture aircraft suited for the world's harshest environments, including the Himalayas.

In announcing the official India-France Year of Innovation, Macron stressed that the two nations are transitioning from merely trading goods to exchanging ideas. He introduced new incentives for Indian technology talent and startups to engage with their French counterparts, especially in areas like Green Tech and Space.

He pointed out that 2026 is set to witness an increase in academic and cultural exchanges, aimed at connecting the youth of both countries through collaborative research and technology.

“Today, Mumbai is pivotal to our shared future. We are initiating 2026 as the Year of Innovation to connect our research facilities, startups, and youth. Our aim is to establish 'Indo-French' as a global benchmark for technology, covering fields from Green Hydrogen to Space exploration,” he articulated.

During the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Macron underscored the synergy between “Marseille and Mumbai.” He asserted that France and India are poised to spearhead the development of “Sovereign AI” systems that uphold democratic principles and privacy, while fostering economic progress for the Global South.

“India and France are the two 'AI Nations' that will shape the ethical framework of the 21st century. We are collaborating to create a 'Sovereign AI' that benefits our citizens and the Global South, ensuring that technology is a means of advancement, not control,” he remarked.

President Macron echoed PM Modi’s appeal for peace in global conflict zones, designating India as the “central pillar” of France’s Indo-Pacific strategy and stressing the importance of a free and open maritime corridor.

He reiterated France’s “steadfast support” for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, deeming it essential for 21st-century governance.

“In a world that is becoming increasingly fragmented, France and India communicate the language of balance. We share a common vision for a multipolar world, which is why France will consistently support India's permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council. The governance of today cannot be dictated by the rules of yesterday,” Macron concluded.

The President’s comments addressed themes of strategic autonomy, the future of AI, and pivotal defense agreements that have solidified France as India’s leading Western ally.