Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, marking a major step in expanding cooperation across innovation ecosystems, defence manufacturing, advanced technologies, and talent mobility.
The India–France Year of Innovation 2026 will drive year-round engagements between businesses, startups, academia, and research institutions in both countries, converting shared ideas into collaborative action.
During a joint press interaction in Mumbai, the two leaders elevated bilateral relations to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership,” announcing an expansive roadmap covering defence manufacturing, trade, clean energy, digital transformation, space cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges under the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 framework.
The leaders also launched the India-France Innovation Network, designed to connect innovators, startups, research institutions, and industry leaders from both nations.
Officials said the platform will serve as a central pillar of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, strengthening cross-border innovation ecosystems.
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Defence Manufacturing Milestone in Bengaluru
The two leaders virtually inaugurated the H125 helicopter Final Assembly Line in Bengaluru, established by Tata Advanced Systems in partnership with Airbus. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and France’s Minister for the Armed Forces attended the ceremony.
The H125 helicopter, capable of operating at extreme altitudes including Mount Everest, will be manufactured in India and exported globally.
Leaders described the project as a symbol of growing defence-industrial cooperation aligned with the goals of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026.
India–France Year of Innovation 2026: Over 20 Agreements Signed
More than 20 agreements and outcomes were announced across defence, economic cooperation, biotechnology, skilling, critical minerals, advanced materials, digital transformation, and health collaboration.
Both countries formally declared 2026 as the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, aimed at strengthening partnerships among startups, MSMEs, research institutions, and industries.
Prime Minister Modi described the upgraded partnership as one rooted in trust and shared vision, calling it a force for “global stability and global progress” in an uncertain world.
Historical and Cultural Connections Highlighted
Welcoming President Macron to Mumbai – the “Gateway of India” – Modi recalled his visit to Marseille for the AI Action Summit. He noted that Indian soldiers first landed in Europe there during the First World War and referenced freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who attempted an escape from British custody in the city.
These historical connections, Modi said, reinforce the importance of collaboration during the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, which aims to transform strategic cooperation into broader societal engagement.
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Trade, Investment, and Mobility Cooperation
The leaders highlighted growing economic engagement, including agreements to avoid double taxation and facilitate investment flows.
These measures are expected to strengthen business operations, professional mobility, and cross-border trade during the India–France Year of Innovation 2026.
Plans announced under the initiative include:
- Connecting innovators across defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies
- Strengthening collaboration between startups and MSMEs
- Expanding student and researcher exchanges
- Establishing joint innovation centres
New initiatives include:
- Indo-French Centre for AI in Health
- Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology
- National Alliance for Skilling in Aeronautics
Modi described these institutions as “future-building platforms” supporting the vision of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026.
Cooperation on Global Challenges
The Prime Minister highlighted collaboration through platforms such as the International Solar Alliance and global connectivity initiatives. Both leaders reaffirmed commitment to democratic values, multilateral cooperation, and institutional reform.
They emphasized coordination on global peace efforts and counter-terrorism initiatives, noting that the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 will also strengthen collaboration on global development challenges.
Cultural Diplomacy Initiatives
India announced expanded cultural collaboration, including joint work at the National Maritime Heritage Complex. A new Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre will also be opened in France to deepen cultural outreach during the India–France Year of Innovation 2026.
Macron Emphasizes Innovation-Led Partnership
President Macron described India–France relations as “unique and exceptional,” built on trust, openness, and ambition. He highlighted cooperation in Rafale aircraft, submarines, helicopter manufacturing, and next-generation fighter engines.
Macron is scheduled to inaugurate an AI-in-health initiative at AIIMS and engage with universities and researchers. Innovation, he said, will remain central to bilateral cooperation throughout the India–France Year of Innovation 2026.
Global Coordination and Multilateral Engagement
With India chairing BRICS in 2026 and France holding the G7 presidency, both leaders announced plans for deeper coordination in global forums. Macron invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 Summit and proposed collaboration among young innovators and scientists.
A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
Concluding the session, both leaders reaffirmed that the partnership – stable, transparent, and people-focused – is poised for expansion across trade, infrastructure, innovation, and advanced technology.
With the launch of the H125 assembly line and the inauguration of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, the two countries signaled their intent to move from strategic alignment toward comprehensive global collaboration.
