French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Narendra Modi (ANI photo)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai and held bilateral talks to strengthen India-France relations, upgrading them to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.” The two democracies announced a sweeping expansion of cooperation, unveiling more than 20 agreements.The discussions covered crucial areas, from the production of HAMMER missiles in India to introducing AI in health at New Delhi’s AIIMS. PM Modi and Macron vowed to boost cooperation in defence, trade, and critical minerals, describing the bilateral ties as a “force for global stability” amid growing geopolitical turbulence.Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday morning, jogged on Marine Drive, and paid homage to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks. The leaders worked to refine and enhance the partnership between New Delhi and Paris. Following the talks, they also virtually inaugurated an assembly line in Karnataka’s Vemagal to build Airbus H125 helicopters, expected to strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

The ministry of external affairs highlighted key outcomes, including:

Macron hailed the agreements as a “great deal,” this came after the “mother of all deals” signed recently between India and the European Union. PM Modi hosted Macron for the talks hours after his arrival in Mumbai on a three-day visit.“The world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability. We are combining France’s expertise and India’s scale,” PM said.The prime minister emphasized the depth of the relationship: “The world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability. We are combining France’s expertise and India’s scale.”The Prime Minister added, “And together with President Macron, we have given this strategic partnership unprecedented depth and energy. Based on this trust and shared vision, today we are establishing our relationship as a ‘special global strategic partnership.’ This partnership is not just strategic. In today’s turbulent era, it is a partnership of global stability and global progress.”Referring to the H125 helicopter assembly line, PM Modi said, “Today’s inauguration of the helicopter assembly line in India is another shining example of this deep trust. We are proud that India and France will jointly manufacture the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest. And we will also export it to the entire world. In other words, the India-France partnership knows no boundaries; it can reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountain.“On global issues, PM noted, “Whether in Ukraine, West Asia, or the Indo-Pacific, we will continue to support all efforts for peace in every region. It is our shared commitment to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”He also highlighted India-Europe relations: “The year 2026 is a turning point in India-Europe relations. Just a few days ago, we signed the largest and most ambitious free trade agreement in India’s history with the European Union. This free trade agreement will also bring unprecedented momentum to India-France relations.”“To promote mutual investment, we are signing an agreement today so that our people and companies do not have to pay double taxes. All these initiatives will give new impetus to mutual trade, investment, and mobility. And this is the roadmap to shared prosperity,” PM said.On the India-France Year of Innovation, he stated, “With the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, we are now going to transform our strategic partnership into a partnership of the people. Because innovation happens not in isolation, but through collaboration.”Macron said that India is one of France’s most trusted partners. “From Rafale jets to submarines, we are expanding defence cooperation. Both our countries firmly believe in rule of law, and it has been demonstrated in past few years. India and France will continue to cooperate to combat terrorism,” he said.