India and France have upgraded their relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership

India and France have upgraded their relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership

¨     India and France have upgraded their relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership."

¨     This new status significantly enhances cooperation between the two countries.

¨     This specific area includes cooperation in defense and security. The partnership also encompasses essential minerals and supply chains.

¨     Advanced technology and innovation are a major component of this upgraded framework.

¨     Climate action and cooperation in clean energy are key components.

¨     This expanded agenda also includes health, education, and economic security.

¨     This was discussed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron.

¨     Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19.

¨     During this visit, the two leaders jointly launched the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation.

¨     This is Macron's fourth official visit to India, following Modi's visit to France in February 2025.

¨     Advancing relations between the two countries is based on the Strategic Partnership established in 1998.

¨     It also advances the Horizon 2047 Roadmap adopted in 2023.

¨     The 2023 Roadmap celebrated 25 years of strategic relations between the two countries.

¨     Both sides agreed to hold an annual Comprehensive Dialogue between their Foreign Ministers.

¨     India and France first established diplomatic relations in 1947.

¨     A major milestone was reached with the launch of the Strategic Partnership on January 26, 1998.

¨     This was India's first such partnership with a Western country. It was also France's first strategic partnership outside the European Union.

¨     Since then, cooperation has also expanded in defense and civil nuclear energy.

¨     Cooperation in space has also strengthened over time.

¨     Modi attended France's National Day as Guest of Honor in July 2023.

¨     Macron attended India's 75th Republic Day as Chief Guest in January 2024.

¨     In February 2025, the two leaders co-chaired the AI ​​Action Summit in Paris.

¨     India is now hosting the AI ​​Impact Summit 2026.