India, France Deepen Strategic Ties with Over 20 Agreements Across Defence, AI and Trade

India and France significantly expanded their bilateral partnership on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held wide-ranging talks, culminating in the signing of more than 20 agreements spanning defence, technology, trade and cultural cooperation.

The high-level discussions underscored the growing momentum in India-France relations, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.” The agreements are aimed at strengthening collaboration in critical sectors and enhancing long-term strategic coordination amid evolving global geopolitical dynamics.

Defence cooperation emerged as a central pillar of the discussions. The two sides agreed to further deepen military and industrial collaboration, building on existing partnerships involving advanced fighter aircraft and naval platforms. Plans for expanding joint defence manufacturing in India were highlighted, including proposals to boost local assembly and production capabilities. The leaders reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and advancing technology transfers aligned with India’s self-reliance goals.

In a significant push toward future technologies, India and France announced enhanced collaboration in artificial intelligence, innovation and digital transformation. The two countries will launch initiatives under the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, aimed at fostering partnerships between startups, research institutions and industry leaders. A key focus will be the responsible development of AI systems, with both nations emphasizing safety, trust and ethical standards in emerging technologies.

Economic engagement also featured prominently during the talks. Both leaders stressed the importance of expanding bilateral trade and investment flows, identifying sectors such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, space technology and infrastructure as priority areas. They expressed support for strengthening India’s economic engagement with the European Union, noting that a potential free trade agreement would provide fresh impetus to commercial ties between India and France.

Beyond defence and trade, the agreements reflect a strong emphasis on people-to-people connections. New initiatives are expected to promote academic exchanges, research collaboration and cultural outreach. Plans for expanding educational partnerships and facilitating student mobility were also discussed, reinforcing the longstanding cultural and intellectual links between the two countries.

Addressing the broader global landscape, the leaders reaffirmed their shared positions on climate action, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of working together in international forums to uphold stability and promote inclusive growth.

The visit marks another milestone in India-France relations, which have steadily evolved over the past decades into one of India’s most trusted strategic partnerships. With expanded defence ties, growing technological cooperation and renewed economic engagement, the latest agreements signal a comprehensive effort by both nations to align their interests in an increasingly complex global order.