India–France Announce Special Global Strategic Partnership
- 18 Feb 2026
On 17th February 2026, India and France agreed to upgrade their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, announcing 21 outcomes across defence, technology, innovation, health, and economic cooperation.
Key Points
- Defence Ties Deepen: Defence cooperation emerged as a cornerstone of the upgraded partnership. The two sides renewed their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years during the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue held in Bengaluru.
- Elevation of Bilateral Ties: The elevation builds on the India-France Strategic Partnership launched in 1998 and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap adopted in 2023, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the partnership.
- Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue: The two leaders agreed to establish an annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue to review progress under the upgraded framework and coordinate on economic security, global issues and people-to-people ties.
- Innovation Cooperation Initiatives: Both countries agreed to launch the India–France Year of Innovation and set up the India–France Innovation Network to strengthen collaboration in research, startups and technology ecosystems.
- Defence and Security Collaboration: A key highlight of the visit was the virtual inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter final assembly line at Vemagal in Karnataka. The facility is expected to strengthen India’s aeronautical manufacturing capabilities, boost workforce skilling and generate employment.
- Military Engagement Expansion: India and France agreed on reciprocal deployment of officers between the Indian Army and the French Land Forces establishments to enhance operational cooperation.
- Advanced Technology Cooperation: A Joint Advanced Technology Development Group will be formed and both sides issued a Joint Declaration of Intent on cooperation in critical minerals and metals.
- Scientific and Research Partnerships: Letters of intent were exchanged to establish centres on advanced materials, digital sciences and technology, and metabolic health sciences, along with an MoU for scientific collaboration between DST and CNRS.
- Startup and Innovation Ecosystem Support: A Letter of Intent between T-Hub and Nord France was signed to enhance strategic cooperation in startup ecosystems, innovation and emerging technologies.
- Tax and Economic Cooperation: Both countries agreed to amend the Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement to improve economic engagement and financial cooperation.
