Context

In February 2026, the President of France visited India and participated in the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026. During the visit, both countries elevated their ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, marking a qualitative expansion of the relationship beyond traditional defence cooperation. The partnership builds upon 25 years of strategic engagement since its establishment in 1998 and is guided by the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

Key Outcomes of the 2026 Visit

Defence and Strategic Cooperation

• Finalisation of the contract for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets.
• Inauguration of the H125 Final Assembly Line under the TATA–Airbus partnership, India’s first private-sector helicopter manufacturing facility.
• Creation of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group for emerging and critical technologies.

France remains India’s second-largest arms supplier, and defence continues to be the core pillar of the partnership.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation

• Expanded cooperation on Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Modular Reactors.
• Continued collaboration on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant project.
• Support for India’s long-term nuclear target of 100 GW capacity by 2047.

France is one of the few countries engaged in long-term civil nuclear cooperation with India following the 2008 civil nuclear agreement.

Space Cooperation

• Decision to hold the third India–France Strategic Space Dialogue in 2026.
• Strengthening collaboration between ISRO and CNES.
• Continued work on the TRISHNA joint satellite mission for climate monitoring.

Artificial Intelligence and Innovation

• Launch of the India–France Innovation Network.
• Establishment of a binational centre for digital sciences.
• Joint Centre for Advanced Materials.
• Cooperation on safe, secure and trustworthy AI under a bilateral roadmap.

Indo-Pacific and Maritime Cooperation

• Enhanced collaboration under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
• Convergence in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Expansion of trilateral engagements with Australia and the UAE.

France, as an Indo-Pacific resident power, aligns with India’s vision of a free, open and rules-based maritime order.

Multilateral and Global Issues

• France reiterated support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
• Coordination on reform of global institutions and regulation of veto use in cases of mass atrocities.
• Shared positions on Ukraine, Gaza and broader regional stability.

Economic and Trade Relations

• Bilateral trade reached approximately 12.67 billion Euros.
• France is India’s third-largest trading partner within the European Union.
• Cumulative French FDI in India stands at nearly 9.79 billion Euros.

The India–EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations are expected to further expand economic ties.

Core Pillars of the Partnership

1. Strategic autonomy
2. Non-interference in internal affairs
3. Avoidance of entanglement in each other’s alliances

These principles distinguish the relationship from alliance-based partnerships.

Key Areas of Concern

Defence Procurement Delays

Negotiations on technology transfer, localisation and pricing have occasionally slowed projects.

AI and Data Governance Divergence

France follows a stricter EU-style data regulation model, while India prefers a more flexible and innovation-oriented framework.

Trade Barriers

Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures and regulatory standards affect Indian exports to France.

Geopolitical Differences

India’s continued engagement with Russia sometimes diverges from France’s positions within the European strategic framework.

Mobility and Immigration

Visa restrictions and recognition of professional qualifications remain challenges for Indian students and professionals.

Way Forward

• Accelerate joint production and defence co-development projects.
• Expand cooperation in green hydrogen, renewable energy and critical minerals.
• Strengthen technology collaboration in AI, biotechnology and semiconductor design.
• Address market access barriers through dedicated bilateral mechanisms.
• Expand educational exchanges and research partnerships.

Conclusion

The India–France Special Global Strategic Partnership reflects a deepening of bilateral ties from defence procurement to a multidimensional strategic alignment. With cooperation spanning nuclear energy, AI, space, maritime security and multilateral reform, the relationship represents a model of strategic autonomy-driven partnership in a multipolar world..Sustained dialogue, institutional coordination and economic balancing will be essential to ensure long-term resilience and global influence for both nations.