French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a visit to India, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai for important talks. The meeting was held at Lok Bhavan and was attended by senior officials from both countries along with members of the French delegation. During the visit, the two leaders jointly launched the production of the H125 light helicopter at the Tata Airbus factory in Vemagal, Karnataka. This marks a major step in defense and aerospace cooperation between India and France. After the event, both leaders addressed the media. Prime Minister Modi warmly welcomed President Macron and described him as a close friend. He recalled meeting Macron earlier in Marseille, France, during the AI Summit last year. Modi said he was happy to welcome the French President to Mumbai, known as the gateway to India.
The Prime Minister announced the launch of the India–France Year of Innovation. He said the goal is to strengthen not only strategic ties but also people-to-people partnerships. He emphasized that innovation grows through cooperation, not isolation. Both countries plan to expand collaboration in defense, energy, space, emerging technologies, and startups. They will also promote exchanges between students, researchers, and small and medium-sized businesses. The two nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in critical minerals and biotechnology. They also launched an India–France Center for Artificial Intelligence in healthcare and another center to improve skills in the aviation sector. Modi said these centers will help build the future through joint innovation. Highlighting global challenges, Modi said the India–France partnership acts as a force for stability in uncertain times. He added that by combining France’s expertise with India’s scale, both countries aim to develop trusted technologies and support global development. He also mentioned joint efforts through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor to promote sustainable growth, dialogue, and global prosperity.
