New Delhi: During high-level discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries signed more than 20 agreements covering the defense, technology, trade, and health sectors in a historic demonstration of bilateral cooperation. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, the talks, which took place during Macron's state visit to India, emphasized a commitment to strengthening collaborations in vital technologies and international security. Both leaders highlighted the importance of their relationship in fostering stability in an uncertain world, calling it a "special global strategic partnership."
The India-France Year of Innovation, which aims to strengthen collaboration in clean energy, space, and emerging technologies by connecting industries, startups, students, and researchers, was also launched during the summit. Among the major announcements were the creation of three new joint institutions: a National Center of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics, a Digital Science and Technology Center, and an Indo-French Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Health. The leaders also marked a move toward localized production and economic synergy by launching an Airbus-Tata Advanced Systems facility in India devoted to producing H125 helicopters for export worldwide. Days after India authorized the purchase of French Rafale fighter jets, defense ties were further cemented. The two countries portrayed their partnership as one based on trust and long-term strategic goals by highlighting cooperative efforts in the Indo-Pacific area, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. According to experts, this could change global supply chains and security dynamics by acting as a strategic counterbalance to regional issues.
