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Modi Hails India-France Ties as Global Stability Force After Macron Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following a bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai, described the India-France relationship as a "force for global stability" and a "trusted anchor" for peace. The leaders launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, aiming to link startups and research centres to tackle global challenges in clean energy and digital health. They reviewed key defence projects under the Horizon 2047 roadmap, including the joint production of HAMMER missiles and 114 Rafale fighter jets. PM Modi also highlighted a shared commitment to developing sovereign AI and noted philosophical convergence on global conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza.

Key Points: India-France: A Force for Global Stability, Says PM Modi

  • Strategic autonomy & defence collaboration
  • Launch of India-France Year of Innovation 2026
  • Focus on sovereign AI for Global South
  • Partnership as "trusted anchor" for peace
2 min read

India-France relationship a 'force for global stability', says PM Modi after meeting with President Macron

PM Modi calls India-France partnership a "trusted anchor" for peace, unveiling 2026 Innovation Year and reviewing defence projects like Rafale jets.

"Innovation doesn't happen in isolation, but through collaboration. - PM Narendra Modi"

Mumbai, Feb 17

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his statement following the bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday, described the India-France relationship as a "force for global stability" in an increasingly uncertain world.

He emphasised that the partnership has evolved beyond traditional diplomacy into a "Partnership of the People," specifically highlighting the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.

PM Modi emphasised that the partnership is a "trusted anchor" for peace. He described France as an "indispensable partner" in the Indian Ocean region.

The Prime Minister stated that the India-France Year of Innovation is the centrepiece of their 2026 roadmap. He noted, "Innovation doesn't happen in isolation, but through collaboration. The goal is to link Indian and French startups, MSMEs, and research centres to solve global challenges in clean energy and digital health."

A major theme of the Prime Minister's address was Strategic Autonomy. He reaffirmed that the inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line in India was cited as a prime example of the "Make in India, Make for the World" vision.

Both leaders reviewed the Horizon 2047 roadmap, focusing on the joint production of military hardware, including the HAMMER precision-guided missiles and the landmark 114 Rafale fighter jet project.

With the meeting coinciding with the AI Impact Summit 2026, PM Modi highlighted a shared commitment to developing "sovereign AI" that is safe, secure, and beneficial to the Global South.

Stating the partnership moving from Marseille to Mumbai, he recalled their previous discussions in France, noting that the partnership is now translating those AI visions into tangible industrial outcomes.

The Prime Minister reiterated the need for dialogue and diplomacy regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Gaza, noting a "philosophical convergence" between India and France on these issues.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The Year of Innovation 2026 sounds exciting! Linking our startups with French tech can bring amazing solutions, especially in clean energy. Hope this trickles down to create real jobs and opportunities for our young engineers and entrepreneurs.
R
Rohit P
Strategic autonomy is the key. We cannot be dependent on any single bloc. Partnerships like this with France, which respects our independent foreign policy, are crucial. The focus on 'sovereign AI' for the Global South is a visionary step.
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Sarah B
While the strategic and defence parts are impressive, I hope the "Partnership of the People" means easier visas and more cultural/educational exchanges for students and professionals. That's where real people-to-people connections are built.
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Vikram M
The Airbus helicopter assembly line is a good start, but we need to see more high-value manufacturing and tech transfer, not just assembly. Hope the Horizon 2047 roadmap ensures that 'Make in India' truly means deep manufacturing and design ownership here.
M
Meera T
Glad to see the mention of dialogue for Ukraine and Gaza. India's balanced position is our strength. Partnering with a permanent UNSC member like France who understands this nuance can help amplify our voice for peace on the global stage. Well done.

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