1947 to 2026: Evolution of India-France Diplomatic Relationship
The Indo-French diplomatic relationship has recently evolved drastically over the years. India and France began their diplomatic relations in 1947. A pivotal moment occurred on January 26, 1998, when the two nations initiated a Strategic Partnership, marking India's first with a Western country and France's first outside the EU. Since then, India and France have shared a rich history of working together in defense and security has intensified with an emphasis on the co-design, co-development, and co-production of defense systems. As a result, France has become one of India's leading defense partners globally. The two nations have also strengthened their partnership in civil nuclear energy, engaging in productive discussions about potential collaborations in both large-scale nuclear power plants and emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Modular Reactors.
The trade and investment relations between the two nations have strengthened, and they are working together to create trustworthy, dependable, and robust supply chains, while also ensuring their economic security. With the formation of a Special Global Strategic Partnership, India and France are dedicated to enhancing their cooperation and collaboration on bilateral, regional, and global fronts, following the guidelines set out in the India-France Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
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A Fresh Strategic Framework
The elevation builds on the India-France Strategic Partnership initiated in 1998 and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap accepted in 2023, marking the 25th anniversary of the collaboration. The two leaders decided to create an annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue to evaluate advancements under the enhanced framework and to collaborate on economic security, global matters, and connections between people. This new designation indicates heightened cooperation at bilateral, regional, and global levels, with both nations reiterating their dedication to a rules-based international system, reformed multilateralism, and stronger involvement in the Indo-Pacific.
France expressed its strong backing for India’s permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council, and both nations committed to enhancing cooperation in multilateral settings.
Defence Collaboration
Defence collaboration has become a fundamental aspect of the enhanced partnership. The two nations renewed their decade-long defence cooperation agreement and established several Memorandums of Understanding during the sixth India-France Defence Dialogue. Key outcomes included a joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran for the production of HAMMER missiles in India; an agreement for reciprocal deployment of officers from the Indian Army and French Land Forces in 2026; the formation of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group to collaboratively develop emerging and critical technologies; and the renewal of the defence cooperation agreement, along with the strengthening of joint research, co-design, co-development, and co-production as outlined in the Defence Industrial Roadmap.
The leaders expressed their approval of the opening of the H125 helicopter Final Assembly Line in Vemagal, Karnataka, a joint effort between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus, signifying a key achievement in India’s “Make in India” initiative.
They also acknowledged advancements in the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets and the ongoing collaboration on jet engines and helicopters, which includes Safran’s partnership with HAL for the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH).
Collaboration on Essential Minerals
Acknowledging the strategic significance of supply chains for renewable energy and high-tech manufacturing, India and France revealed a Joint Declaration of Intent focused on partnership in critical minerals and rare earth elements. The pact intends to enhance joint efforts in the areas of exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling technologies to create diversified and resilient supply chains.
Creativity, Artificial Intelligence, and Technology
The two heads of state inaugurated the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation, aiming to foster partnerships in fields such as science and technology, cyberspace, artificial intelligence, healthcare, sustainable development, and research. They also established the India-France Innovation Network to link startups, incubators, businesses, and academic institutions from both nations. A Letter of Intent was signed between T-Hub and Nord France Invest to enhance cooperation within the startup ecosystem.
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Following previous collaborations in AI, both parties have reiterated their dedication to ensuring artificial intelligence is secure and reliable, benefiting the public and addressing the global AI gap. A key development was the establishment of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS, New Delhi, in partnership with Sorbonne University and the Paris Brain Institute.
Economic and Tax Reforms
In a pivotal action to enhance business opportunities, the two nations decided to modify the protocol related to the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), aimed at offering clearer assurance for investors and promoting bilateral commerce. Both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing increase in trade and investment and pledged to bolster cooperation in MSMEs, digitalization, AI-driven businesses, and resilient supply chains. France, as the first European nation to implement India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), agreed to broaden the acceptance of digital payment systems to facilitate transactions for Indian travelers.
Climate, Nuclear and Energy Cooperation
The leaders reiterated their dedication to the Paris Agreement and sustainable development. They concurred on enhancing collaboration in renewable energy and civil nuclear energy, which includes talks on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant project and partnerships on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). They also expressed support for joint initiatives under the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, both based in New Delhi.
Addressing Global Issues
India and France reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. They committed to deeper collaboration through initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and trilateral partnerships with Australia and the UAE. Regarding global conflicts, both leaders voiced their concerns about the ongoing war in Ukraine and advocated for achieving a fair and lasting peace via dialogue and diplomacy. They also reiterated their support for a two-state resolution in West Asia and denounced terrorism in all its forms, with France expressing solidarity in light of recent terror incidents in India.
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Growing Connections Between Individuals
The two leaders highlighted the significance of partnerships in culture, education, and mobility. France's goal is to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, an increase from the current 10,000. They expressed their support for new academic collaborations, initiatives for skill development, and a National Centre of Excellence in Aeronautics to be established in Kanpur. Cultural collaborations will be enhanced through future exhibitions, museum partnerships, and the commemoration of 30 years of strategic cooperation in 2028. President Macron extended an invitation to PM Modi for the G7 Summit that France will host in 2026 and suggested his involvement in preparatory discussions regarding global economic disparities and international collaborations.
The formation of the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership signifies a fresh phase in their bilateral relations, with both countries aiming to play pivotal roles in influencing global governance, driving technological advancements, and promoting sustainable development in the coming decades.