Mumbai, Feb 17 (NationPress) India and France have elevated their enduring friendship to a new pinnacle, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron proclaimed the transition to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” during their high-level discussions.

This announcement signifies enhanced collaboration in defence, innovation, trade, technology, and people-to-people exchanges, with both leaders portraying the partnership as a catalyst for global stability and progress, as highlighted in the joint press statement.

During President Macron's welcome in Mumbai, often dubbed India's gateway to the world, PM Modi emphasized that the bond between the two democracies is founded on trust, shared principles, and a unified vision for a multipolar world.

“France has been one of India’s earliest strategic partners, and the two nations are now dedicated to crafting a partnership that transcends traditional diplomacy to promote global peace, prosperity, and technological advancement,” PM Modi stated.

A significant outcome of this visit was the unveiling of the H125 helicopter final assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka, as per the statement.

This facility will produce helicopters capable of functioning in extreme altitudes, including the challenging conditions of Mount Everest.

These helicopters will cater to India's needs and will also be available for export globally, bolstering India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

The initiative is anticipated to create jobs and skill development opportunities for Indian youth, while also opening new pathways for MSMEs to integrate into global supply chains, thereby giving a robust boost to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Defence collaboration saw a substantial enhancement during this visit. India and France renewed their defence cooperation agreement, which deepens collaboration and facilitates the co-design, co-development, and co-production of advanced defence systems.

In a notable move towards localization, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran plan to establish a joint venture to manufacture HAMMER precision-guided munitions in India.

This initiative is expected to fortify India’s domestic defence industry and decrease reliance on imports while improving access to high-precision weaponry.

The two leaders also reached an agreement to establish an annual Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue to consistently review the implementation of the enhanced partnership and the Roadmap Horizon 2047.

This framework will enable both parties to assess ongoing cooperation and emphasize people-centric areas like education, culture, skill development, and mobility, ensuring that the fruits of the partnership benefit the youth of both nations.

Marking 2026 as the India–France Year of Innovation, the two countries introduced the India–France Innovation Network to connect businesses, startups, incubators, research institutions, and industry leaders.

In the realm of technology, both nations announced collaboration in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials.