India, France upgrade ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

India Feb 17, 2026

India and France have officially upgraded their relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership."
This move was announced after Prime Minister Modi and President Macron met in Mumbai.
France is now India's third-biggest partner in the EU.

More than just handshakes

This isn't just about handshakes—Modi and Macron announced 21 key outcomes covering defense, tech, and innovation.
Think: a helicopter assembly line in Karnataka, joint work on AI through Indo-French centers, and fresh opportunities for startups.
The partnership also includes cooperation in energy-related areas, better access to critical minerals, and a boost for homegrown defense tech—making both countries stronger collaborators on the global stage.