Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a new “Special Global Strategic Partnership” between India and France after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. The two leaders held detailed bilateral discussions at Lok Bhavan in South Mumbai and also jointly inaugurated the “India-France Year of Innovation 2026.”

Addressing a gathering that included business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and innovators from both countries, PM Modi said that the relationship between India and France is growing stronger and is not limited by geography. He highlighted that the partnership connects the two nations across different regions and sectors.

“India-France partnership knows no boundaries. Our ties stretch from deep oceans to the highest mountains,” the Prime Minister said during his speech.

PM Modi stressed the importance of working together in today’s changing world. He said innovation can only grow when countries cooperate and share ideas instead of working separately.

“Innovation needs collaboration, not isolation,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that the partnership between India and France will expand further in several important areas. He said both countries will work closely in sectors such as defence, energy, space, technology, and even in the field of critical minerals, which are becoming increasingly important for modern industries.

PM Modi also spoke about the global situation and said that the current period is full of uncertainty. In such times, he said, the partnership between India and France can play a major role in bringing stability.

“As the world goes through a period of uncertainty, the India-France partnership will become a force for global stability,” PM Modi said.

He also said that India and France share a common belief in a multi-polar world, meaning a world where power is not controlled by only one or two nations, but shared among many countries. He suggested that such partnerships are important for global peace, balance, and development.

President Emmanuel Macron is visiting India from February 17 to February 19, following an invitation from PM Modi. His visit is linked to the “AI Impact Summit”, which is being hosted by India. The summit is expected to focus on the growing role of artificial intelligence and how countries can use it responsibly for development and innovation.

This is President Macron’s fourth visit to India, showing the strong diplomatic and strategic connection between the two nations. It is also his first visit to Mumbai, which has been planned as part of the events to mark the “India-France Year of Innovation 2026.”

The newly launched innovation year aims to showcase and strengthen the growing cooperation between India and France in technology and research. The programme is expected to encourage new partnerships between start-ups, research institutions, universities, and companies from both countries.

India and France already share a long-standing relationship in areas such as defence and space cooperation. Over the years, France has been one of India’s key partners in military technology and strategic matters. Now, with the launch of this innovation programme, both countries are aiming to expand their cooperation into new and future-focused sectors.

The two countries are also reportedly looking forward to a possible multi-billion-dollar fighter jet deal, which could further deepen defence ties. Though no final announcement was made regarding the deal, it remains one of the major expectations linked to the growing India-France partnership.

Overall, PM Modi’s announcement of the “Special Global Strategic Partnership” and the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 highlight the intention of both nations to work closely in major strategic areas and strengthen cooperation for the future.