Mumbai became the epicenter of Indo-French diplomacy as President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their Tuesday discussions marked a significant stride in elevating bilateral ties to an elevated global strategic partnership.
Kicking off proceedings, the leaders jointly unveiled the India-France Innovation Forum-2026, setting the stage for collaborative breakthroughs. On X, PM Modi detailed the wide-ranging agenda, which spanned defense collaborations, renewable energy initiatives, space endeavors, and cutting-edge tech frontiers.
Modi highlighted the commitment to fostering connections between entrepreneurs, small businesses, academia, and researchers through exchanges and new innovation hubs. The opening of India’s helicopter assembly unit stood out as a testament to enduring camaraderie, producing high-altitude helicopters destined for international markets—including those that can conquer Everest summits.
‘Our alliance stretches from the deepest seas to the highest peaks,’ Modi remarked, capturing the boundless scope of cooperation. With 2026 on the horizon as a transformative year for India-EU relations, the free trade deal with the European Union promises unprecedented momentum.
A key agreement signed during the meet avoids double taxation, streamlining investments for citizens and corporations alike. Ambitious projects like AI-driven health centers, digital tech hubs, and aviation training excellence centers further cement this forward-looking alliance, driving shared prosperity and technological leadership.