At a time when the world goes by means of a part of uncertainty, the Indo-French partnership is a pressure for stability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated in Mumbai on Tuesday (February 17, 2026).
He was addressing a joint press briefing with French President Emmanuel Macron at Lok Bhavan. Mr. Macron emphasised the significance of mutual partnership to struggle hegemony. Terming France as one of many oldest strategic companions of India, PM Modi known as the connection ‘very particular’.
The 2 leaders held bilateral discussions, signed MoUs and nearly inaugurated the Airbus H125 helicopter meeting line at Bengaluru from Lok Bhavan. Earlier in the day, Mr. Macron stunned Mumbaikars by occurring a jog for a number of kilometres alongside South Mumbai’s promenade – Marine Drive. He thereafter paid tributes to the victims of the 26/11 terror assault of 2008 on the Taj Mahal Palace. He then had a cinema-themed lunch with a couple of movie personalities.
Whereas addressing the joint press briefing with PM Modi, Mr. Macron emphasised on the collaboration in defence, nuclear energy, expertise switch, scholar trade, and analysis.
Mr. Modi introduced the launch of three centres — Indo-French Centre for AI in Well being, Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Expertise, and Nationwide Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics. “These aren’t simply establishments, however future-building platforms,” PM Modi stated.
Turning level
He termed the yr 2026 a turning level in Indo-European relationship, including that the most important and most formidable Free Commerce Settlement in India’s historical past was signed with the EU a couple of days in the past. Mr. Macron too spoke of the importance of the Indo-EU FTA.
After the digital inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter meeting line at Bengaluru, the PM stated he was proud that India and France would collectively manufacture and export the world’s solely helicopter which flies as much as the peak of Mount Everest.
Particular world strategic partnership between India and France: Macron
Mr. Macron stated that this can be a “particular world strategic partnership between India and France”. He stated that it isn’t simply strategic, but additionally for world progress.
“Helicopter meeting line inauguration showcases our deep relationship. We’ll collectively manufacture a helicopter flying to Mt Everest. India-France relationship is aware of no boundaries. It could possibly attain the depths of the ocean and the heights of the skies,” he stated.
Saying that India and France’s partnership is considered one of “shared prosperity”, Mr. Macron stated that, “2026 is a turning level in our relationship. We’re making agreements to ensure that commerce, funding and mobility are elevated. That is shared prosperity. Strategic partnership to show to partnership of individuals. This will likely be by means of the collaboration of individuals. Might it’s defence, clear power.”
“We’ll launch an Indo-French centre for AI in well being, for digital science expertise, metal, and aeronautics. These are future constructing platforms,” he added.
“The world goes by means of uncertainty and turmoil. We’re growing trusted expertise. IMEC, joint improvement undertaking. Each nations imagine in a multilateral world,” he stated.
“Our SMEs and startups, too, have a brand new purpose. Rafale, submarines, and helicopters’ meeting line in collaboration with Tatas or the fifth technology engines. We’re working along with India,” he stated.
Concerning nuclear energy, Mr. Macron stated that “whether or not it’s the Jaitapur Nuclear Energy Undertaking or every other tasks, we are going to help India”. “We’ll discover a new means which is in opposition to hegemony,” he stated.
He additionally stated, “We’re trusted companions in making a Excessive pace rail community.”
“The talks we now have had are very formidable. There needs to be extra expertise switch. We wish all associated industries to work collectively,” he added.
Concerning the 2027 horizon roadmap, he stated, “In new expertise and innovation, our objectives are aligned. College students and researchers’ trade will likely be smoother. New centres of joint innovation will likely be opened. In Delhi, I’m going to attend a gathering with all the highest lecturers,” he stated.
Welcoming the Indo-EU FTA, Mr. Macron stated, “Until a couple of years in the past, our relationships weren’t growing quickly. However we’re figuring out methods in which we are able to develop our ties quickly,” he stated.
“Our perception system is synchronous. We welcome the Indo-EU FTA. We wish to stroll collectively. We wish to give a mannequin to the world about tips on how to work collectively. AI ought to respect one another and the range. The algorithms needs to be clear,” the French President stated.
Condemning terrorism, he stated, “As per the constitution of U.N., we condemn terror and terror organisations.”
“France is chairing G7, like India is chairing BRICS. That’s the reason I’ve invited Mr Modi. The youth of India and scientists ought to come collectively. We wish to higher our relationship, significantly in commerce,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi on Tuesday (February 17) held wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to spice up ties in key sectors resembling commerce, defence, power and important applied sciences.
Mr. Macron landed in Mumbai early this morning on a three-day go to to attend the AI Influence Summit in New Delhi and meet PM Modi.
The French President’s go to comes days after India cleared a long-pending proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets below a government-to-government framework with France.
It has been billed as one of many world’s largest army procurement programmes in latest years.
It’s learnt that shoring up defence cooperation and enhancing bilateral engagement in the important expertise sector are precedence areas to take ahead the ties.
“Welcome to India! India seems ahead to your go to and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I’m assured that our discussions will additional strengthen cooperation throughout sectors and contribute to world progress,” PM Modi stated on social media earlier in the day in response to a publish by Mr. Macron.
(with inputs from PTI)
Printed – February 17, 2026 05:23 pm IST
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