In a landmark diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the India-France Strategic Partnership, a relationship that has flourished over the past 25 years into a multifaceted alliance spanning defence, technology, innovation, and global governance.
This collaboration, rooted in shared values and mutual respect, underscores India’s growing stature on the world stage and Prime Minister Modi’s proactive approach in shaping global geopolitics.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations: A Personal Touch
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France is a testament to the enduring strength of the India-France partnership. His engagements—from high-level strategic discussions to inaugurating the Indian Consulate in Marseille—underscore his commitment to fostering deep and meaningful ties with France. The special gesture of Prime Minister Modi flying aboard the French Presidential aircraft from Paris to Marseille epitomises the deep personal rapport between the two leaders.
This camaraderie goes beyond symbolism—it reflects a profound commitment to enhancing bilateral ties and forging a shared vision for the future. Marseille holds historical significance for India, as it was here that freedom fighter Veer Savarkar made his daring escape attempt from British captivity in 1910. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to this city resonates deeply with India’s legacy of resilience and self-determination, reminding the world of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom. The reaffirmation of India-France cooperation across defence, trade, technology, and the Indo-Pacific cements this partnership as a defining pillar of global stability in the 21st century.
AI Action Summit: Leading the Global Tech Revolution
The India-France partnership is at the forefront of technological innovation, with the recently concluded Artificial Intelligence Action Summit setting the stage for global AI governance. With both nations recognizing AI’s transformative potential, they have committed to fostering ethical AI development, ensuring technology serves humanity while safeguarding against its misuse. France’s acknowledgment of India’s AI leadership and the announcement of the India-France Year of Innovation in 2026 further solidify India’s role as a global tech powerhouse.A Defence Alliance Like No Other
Defence cooperation remains a cornerstone of the India-France relationship, and this visit reinforced the commitment to strengthening security collaboration. The continued joint development of Scorpene submarines, advancements in missile technology, and India’s invitation to France to consider acquiring the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher showcase the deepening of defence industrial cooperation. The FRIND-X initiative, launched in Paris, is a testament to how both nations are fostering defence startups and innovation, ensuring long-term strategic alignment.
A Progressive Indo-Pacific Strategy
Prime Minister Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. With increasing geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific, their partnership aims to ensure regional stability through joint military exercises and strategic dialogue. The French Carrier Strike Group’s visit to India and trilateral military collaborations with Australia and the UAE highlight India’s central role in regional security.
Space Collaboration: Expanding the Frontiers of Exploration
In the realm of space, India and France have been natural allies. The decision to hold the third session of the India-France Strategic Space Dialogue in 2025 underscores their shared ambition to lead in space exploration. The longstanding cooperation between ISRO and CNES continues to drive innovation, with both nations set to expand collaborations that will shape the future of space research and commercial space technology.
Economic and Trade Relations: Driving Global Growth
Trade and investment remain vital components of the strategic partnership. The 14th India-France CEOs Forum has provided a roadmap for enhancing economic ties, and the two leaders have expressed their intent to accelerate investments in critical sectors such as technology, clean energy, and digital infrastructure. The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), launched during India’s G20 presidency, is another ambitious initiative that will revolutionize connectivity and trade, with France playing a pivotal role.
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: A Shared Security Imperative
Both leaders reaffirmed their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. They called for dismantling terror financing networks and reiterated the need for global action against cross-border terrorism. India’s National Security Guard (NSG) and France’s Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) are intensifying collaboration to address emerging security threats, ensuring greater intelligence-sharing and operational coordination.
Reforming Global Governance: India’s Permanent UNSC Bid Gains Momentum
A defining highlight of the visit was France’s renewed commitment to supporting India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Both leaders emphasized the need for reformed multilateralism, ensuring a more equitable and representative international order. India’s ascent as a global leader is evident, with France recognizing its indispensable role in shaping the world’s future.
A Historic Visit Marking a New Era
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France, his sixth as Prime Minister, is a testament to the enduring strength of the India-France partnership. His engagements—from high-level strategic discussions to inaugurating the Indian Consulate in Marseille—underscore his commitment to fostering deep and meaningful ties with France. This visit, coupled with President Macron’s presence at India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations, reflects the mutual admiration and respect between the two nations.
The Modi Doctrine: India’s Global Ascent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy vision—characterized by strategic autonomy, technological leadership, and proactive diplomacy—continues to elevate India’s position on the global stage. The India-France partnership, strengthened by shared democratic values and strategic interests, serves as a model for international cooperation in the 21st century.
As the world grapples with geopolitical shifts and technological advancements, India, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, is not merely adapting but shaping global narratives. With France as a steadfast ally, India’s journey towards becoming a Vishwa Guru (world leader) is well on its way, demonstrating that the nation’s time has truly come.
(The author is a political commentator and a National Spokesperson of BJP; Views expressed are personal)
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