Why in News?
India and France have significantly elevated their relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" during French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day official visit to India from February 17–19, 2026.
Key Information
- Special Global Strategic Partnership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron upgraded bilateral ties to this new status in Mumbai, aimed at guiding cooperation for the next several decades.
- Inauguration of H125 Helicopter Facility: The leaders virtually inaugurated India's first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the Airbus H125 in Vemagal, Karnataka, established by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
- Mega Rafale Deal Progress: The visit coincides with the clearing of a landmark proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, valued at approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore ($39 billion).
- AI Impact Summit: President Macron participated in the first global artificial intelligence summit hosted in the Global South, held in New Delhi on February 19, 2026.
- Year of Innovation 2026: The leaders launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 to deepen collaboration in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital technology.
- Strategic Pillars: The relationship is built on three core pillars: mutual respect for non-interference, a firm commitment to strategic autonomy, and refraining from involving each other in rival alliances.
- Defence & Security:
- Renewed Pact: India and France renewed their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years on February 17, 2026.
- Major Deals: Includes the ongoing Scorpene-class submarine project and the recent ₹63,000 crore deal for 26 Rafale-M (Marine) jets for the Indian Navy.
- Joint Exercises: Regular drills include Varuna (Navy), Shakti (Army), and Garuda (Air Force).
- Technology & Innovation:
- Digital Integration: France was the first European country to implement UPI payments (launched at the Eiffel Tower).
- Supercomputing: Collaborative development of 14 supercomputers for India, including the Param Siddhi.
- Space & Nuclear Energy:
- Civil Nuclear: Collaboration continues on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in Maharashtra and new declarations of intent for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- Space: Long-standing partnership between ISRO and CNES on missions like TRISHNA and future Mars/Venus exploration.
- Economic Relations:
- France is India’s 11th largest foreign investor (approx. $10.9 billion cumulative).
- Over 750 French companies operate in India, employing more than 450,000 people.
- People-to-People Links:
- Student Mobility: An agreement exists to welcome 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030, supported by five-year Schengen visas for alumni.
- Cultural Symbols: A statue of the Indian sage poet Thiruvalluvar was recently unveiled in Cergy, France.
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