English translation of Prime Minister’s Press Statement during the Joint Press Statement with the President of France

Prime Minister's Office English translation of Prime Minister’s Press Statement during the Joint Press Statement with the President of France Posted On: 17 FEB 2026 6:44PM by PIB Delhi Your Excellency, My Dear Friend, President Macron, Delegates from both countries, Friends from the media, Namaskar! Bonjour! It gives me immense pleasure to welcome my dear friend, President Macron, to Mumbai. Last year, he invited me to France for the AI Action Summit. At that time, we visited Marseille — France’s largest port and a major gateway for France and all of Europe. Marseille is the city where, during the First World War, Indian soldiers first set foot in Europe. Their bravery is still remembered across many parts of Europe. It is also the city where freedom fighter Veer Savarkar leapt into the sea to escape British captivity. That act symbolized his unwavering resolve for India’s independence. Last year in Marseille, I had the opportunity to pay tribute to him. This time, as President Macron visits India for the AI Impact Summit, it is our privilege to welcome him in Mumbai — India’s own gateway. Friends, India and France share a very special relationship. France is among India’s oldest strategic partners. Together with President Macron, we have infused unprecedented depth and energy into this partnership. Based on this trust and shared vision, today we are elevating our ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. This partnership is not only strategic. In today’s turbulent times, it is a partnership for global stability and global progress. Friends, The inauguration of the helicopter assembly line in India today is another shining example of this deep trust. We take pride in the fact that India and France will jointly manufacture the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest — and export it worldwide. Indeed, the India–France partnership knows no boundaries. It can reach from the deepest oceans to the tallest mountains.Friends, The year 2026 marks a turning point in India–Europe relations. Just days ago, we signed the largest and most ambitious Free Trade Agreement in India’s history with the European Union. This agreement will also bring unprecedented momentum to India–France relations. To promote mutual investment, today we are signing an agreement to avoid double taxation for our people and companies. These initiatives will energize trade, investment, and mobility — charting a roadmap for shared prosperity. Friends, With the launch of the India–France Year of Innovation, we are transforming our strategic partnership into a partnership of the people. Innovation does not happen in isolation; it thrives through collaboration. Our goal in the Year of Innovation is to strengthen people-to-people connections. Whether in defense, clean energy, space, or emerging technologies, we will connect our industries and innovators. We will build strong networks between start-ups and MSMEs, facilitate exchanges among students and researchers, and establish new joint innovation centers. Friends, Today we are also enhancing cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. We are launching the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and the National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics. These are not merely institutions — they are platforms for building the future. Friends, The world is passing through a period of uncertainty. In such times, the India–France partnership is a force for global stability. We are combining France’s expertise with India’s scale. We are developing trusted technologies. Through the International Solar Alliance, the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and joint development projects, we are ensuring human development. Through multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy, we will continue to strengthen efforts for stability and prosperity. Friends, India and France both believe in democratic values, the rule of law, and a multipolar world. We are united in our conviction that reforming global institutions is essential to address global challenges. Whether in Ukraine, West Asia, or the Indo-Pacific, we will support all efforts for peace. Eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains our shared commitment. Friends, India and France are both ancient and rich civilizations. We attach great importance to cultural and people- to-people ties. We are delighted to have collaborated in the Yuge Yugin Bharat Museum. Now, at the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, we will also work together with France. To bring Indian culture closer to the people of France, we will soon open the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in France. Your Excellency, Your deep commitment to the India–France partnership has always been evident. I am especially pleased that today we are together inaugurating a new chapter in our relations. Let us work together for global stability and prosperity.Thank you very much. Merci beaucoup. **** MJPS/VJ (Release ID: 2229249) Visitor Counter : 628 Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi , ही , Manipuri , Bengali , Assamese , Punjabi , Gujarati , Odia , Telugu , Kannada , Malayal am