Updated 17 February 2026 at 18:02 IST
“With the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, we are transforming our strategic partnership into a Partnership of the People,” PM Modi said.
“Whether it’s defence, clean energy, space, or emerging technologies, we will connect our industries and innovators in every field,” said Top Minister Narendra Modi | Record:
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After having deliberated with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, February 17, Top Minister Narendra Modi dubbed the deepening ties betwee France and India as “partnership of the of us.”
“With the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, we are transforming our strategic partnership into a Partnership of the People,” PM Modi said.
Additional, he neatly-known that, whether or no longer or no longer it is “defence, neat vitality, residence, or emerging technologies, we can connect our industries and innovators in every field.”
On making improvements to change ties, he said, “We are in a position to produce mighty networks between startups and MSMEs. We are in a position to facilitate exchanges between our school students and researchers, and we also can place unusual centres for joint innovation.”
Meanwhile, Macron said that how India and France think in terms of trade is alike, while congratulating PM Modi for inking the ‘Mother of all deals’ with the European Union.
While noting that India-France ties was based on “trust, openness, and ambition”, he revealed that this partnership was elevated today to a Special Strategic Partnership, granting it a new status.
“We firmly believe in the rule of law, and we’ve demonstrated this over the past few years. Whether it’s IMEC, which we jointly launched and or whether we’re talking about artificial intelligence or the International Solar Alliance, we’ve taken several initiatives together over the past eight years,” he said.
Earlier today, the world leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues and review progress in the India-France strategic partnership.
Prime Minister Modi travelled to Mumbai for the meeting with Macron, who landed in India’s financial capital with his wife, Brigitte, around midnight on Monday for his fourth visit to India since taking office in 2017.
The French President’s visit follows New Delhi’s confirmation last week that it intends to place a major order for Rafale jets, as well as the signing of a landmark free trade agreement between India and the European Union in January.
Published By : Nitin Waghela
Published On: 17 February 2026 at 18:02 IST
