France key to 'Make in India' mission, says PM Modi as French President Macron hails relationship of 'trust, openness'

French President Macron meets PM Modi in Mumbai

• India, France open H125 helicopter assembly line in Karnataka
• Partnership elevated to Special Strategic Partnership status
• Indo-French initiatives in AI, biotech, and aeronautics launched

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron addressed a joint press interaction in Mumbai after virtually inaugurating the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line of Tata Airbus at Vemagal, Karnataka, marking a major milestone in defence and industrial cooperation.

'France is one of India’s oldest strategic partners': PM Modi

The leaders digitally unveiled the final assembly line of H-125 helicopters, underlining the growing depth of the bilateral partnership. Prime Minister Modi described the project as a reflection of deep mutual confidence, noting that the helicopters manufactured in India would also serve global markets. He highlighted that the India-France chopper would have the capability to operate at extreme altitudes, including near Mount Everest.

Calling France one of India’s oldest strategic partners, Modi said there are no limits to the scope of cooperation between the two countries. He added that the collaboration strengthens India’s manufacturing ambitions and reinforces trusted defence ties.

Macron echoed the sentiment, stating, “The bilateral relationship between India and France is truly remarkable and unique. This relationship is one of trust, openness, and ambition.” He said both sides had decided to elevate their engagement, adding, “We have also decided today to elevate this partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership, granting it a new status.”

Macron also posted on X, "India and France have decided to elevate their strategic partnership to the level of a Special Global Strategic Partnership. In diplomacy, that means a great deal."

Critical minerals, biotech, AI

The Prime Minister announced a series of new initiatives, including the launch of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and the National Centre of Alliance for Skilling in Aeronautics. “These are not just institutes, they are future-building platforms,” he said.

Modi also underlined cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials, describing the partnership as essential in a period of global uncertainty. “In this environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability,” he said, adding that both nations are combining “France's expertise and India's scale” to develop trusted technologies.

Marking the India-France Year of Innovation, Modi said the focus would be on strengthening people-to-people ties. “Because innovation doesn't happen in isolation, but through collaboration,” he remarked, outlining plans to connect industries, startups, MSMEs, students, and researchers across sectors, including defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies.

'Both nations have a lot to give to the world': French President

President Macron emphasized shared principles in geopolitics and multilateral engagement. Referring to cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, IMEC, artificial intelligence, and the International Solar Alliance, he said the two countries have charted new pathways over the past eight years. “We firmly believe in the rule of law,” he stated, while reiterating a vision of “a world without hegemony.”

Prime Minister Modi recalled the historical and cultural connections between the two nations, noting Marseille’s link to Indian soldiers during World War I and to Veer Savarkar’s escape attempt. Welcoming Macron to Mumbai, he described it as the gateway to India and reaffirmed that both countries stand united against global terrorism and remain committed to peace, dialogue, and multilateralism.

Macron, on his fourth official visit to India, concluded by expressing confidence in the trajectory of ties, saying both nations “have a lot to give to the world.”