India, France Forge Special Global Strategic Partnership with H125 Launch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday virtually inaugurated the final assembly line for Airbus H125 light utility helicopters in Karnataka. The launch marks a significant step in defence and industrial cooperation between India and France. The facility is part of the Tata-Airbus partnership aimed at boosting local manufacturing.

PM Modi announced that India and France have agreed to upgrade their ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership". Welcoming Macron to Mumbai, he said the bilateral relationship has gained unprecedented depth and momentum in recent years. He described France as one of India’s oldest and most trusted strategic partners.

Highlighting broader ties, Modi said 2026 represents a turning point in India–Europe relations. He referred to the recently signed free trade agreement between India and the European Union as a milestone development. According to him, stronger cooperation between the partners will contribute to global stability amid rising uncertainty.

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Macron described the India–France relationship as “exceptional and unique.” He said both sides reaffirmed that the partnership is built on trust, openness and ambition. The French leader confirmed the decision to elevate the relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership with a new status.

Earlier, Modi and Macron held wide-ranging talks covering trade, defence, energy and critical technologies. Macron arrived in Mumbai on a three-day visit and will attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. His trip comes shortly after India cleared a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework.

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