The upgradation of the Indo-French ties to the Special Global Strategic Partnership during the visit of Macron to India holds great significance not only for the two countries but globally as well. It is not only trade or security dimensions that are important, but it is key to global stability, progress, and peace in an era of a dangerous trend in which economies are not only subordinated to political and security aspects but also to the whims and caprices of some powerful leaders. 

The strengthening of ties with France, a reliable and trustworthy partner that respects India’s strategic autonomy, is therefore a welcome development. The partnership is based on trust and a shared global vision that connects the Gateway of Europe to the Gate of India. Macron’s visit preceded the mother of all trade deals with the European Union, which provides a forceful momentum to the Indo-French ties. 

The upgradation signals deeper coordination at bilateral, regional and global levels, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to a rules-based international order, reformed multilateralism and closer engagement in the Indo-Pacific.  

Twenty-one agreements were signed across key sectors such as defence, technology and innovation, startups, critical minerals, advanced materials, health and skilling. Crucially, the two sides have institutionalised the process of annual comprehensive dialogue at the level of foreign ministers to coordinate on economic security, global issues and people-to-people ties.  

The defence and security pillar forms the cornerstone of the relationship. The two countries have renewed the defence cooperation agreement for another ten years. In addition, they agreed for joint production of HAMMER precision-guided missiles through a joint venture between Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and France’s Safran in India, reciprocal deployment of officers between Indian Army and French Land Forces to enhance interoperability, and final assembly line of the Airbus H125 helicopter final assembly line in Karnataka – a key defence manufacturing collaboration under Make in India.  

While India is purchasing 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, talks are on for the acquisition of another 114 jets and their co-production in India. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Vautrin co-chaired the 6th India-France Defence dialogue to review the ongoing cooperation and set priorities for co-development and co-production of defence equipment. The annual defence dialogue serves as the principal mechanism for reviewing and guiding the growing defence partnership between the two countries.

Modi and Macron agreed to strengthen cooperation in advanced technology, innovation and research. They launched the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation to enhance collaborations in science and technology, cyberspace, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, civil nuclear energy, healthcare, sustainable development and research. A Joint Advanced Technology Development Group to foster co-development of emerging technologies has been established. The Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS, New Delhi, has been established. The India-France Innovation Network to connect startups, incubators, businesses and academic institutions from both countries was also launched. India and France agreed to collaborate on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). 

Economic cooperation is to be strengthened. A Joint Declaration of Intent on cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths was announced. They agreed to do away with double taxation, which will push up trade, investments, and joint ventures. They declared that trade and investment would be enhanced and diversified and resilient supply chains would be built. They committed to strengthening collaboration in MSMEs, digitalisation, and AI-driven enterprises. India is aiming for MSMEs and start-ups to be export-oriented. 

For India, the elevation of ties will help in the indigenous production of helicopters, jets, and missiles, which in turn will strengthen India’s defence industrial base and reduce dependence on imports. This will also boost technological capabilities and help India emerge as an innovation hub. This also ensures deeper integration with the global value chain. The taxation protocols will improve economic competitiveness. And expanded R&D collaboration and students’ skill development programmes will build human capital necessary for overall growth. 

For France, it brings strategic economic presence in an important country with an expanding market. Enhanced defence and high-tech cooperation open new markets for French industry. This also enhances France’s geopolitical footprint in an area of strategic significance. It cements France’s role as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific and an anchor for EU–India ties amid shifting global alliances. And collaborative research networks and student mobility enrich French knowledge ecosystems.  

A closer Indo-French partnership contributes to a multipolar world order that resists unilateral dominance and supports international law and peaceful cooperation. With emerging security challenges – from China’s assertiveness in Asia to strategic competition among global powers – defence collaboration (joint production, officer exchanges, technology sharing) bolsters collective deterrence and operational readiness for both nations. Cooperations in AI, health tech, critical minerals, and aerospace enhance resilience against future security and economic disruptions, such as cyber threats, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and climate-related risks. 

Their shared democratic values underpin a rules-based international order, and together as partners, they can bridge East-West interests while advocating for peace, security, and sustainable development. Thus, the elevation to a Special Global Strategic Partnership is both symbolic and practical. PM Modi has aptly commented that it is a partnership for global stability and global progress.  

More broadly, an increasing number of countries are recognising that closer ties with India, a reliable and trustworthy partner, serve their long-term interests. With one sixth of world population, a great land mass strategically located in the Indian Ocean and the net security provider of the region, growing economy with prospects of becoming the third economy by 2030, growing market, emerging manufacturing and AI hubs, increasing influence on the Global South and in mini-laterals like BRICS, G-20, and ASEAN, maintaining partnerships with all powers with capability to play an influential role in international affairs (rebalancing between the West and the Global South), and its alluring foreign policy aimed at global peace and prosperity (MAHASAGAR), India is drawing major powers towards deeper partnerships.

The elevation of Indo-French ties is a powerful testament to this evolving global reality. Macron, underlining this aspect, remarked that this partnership is very special and it is for global stability and global progress.                 

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