Published: 16 February 2026DD NewsGovernance
India-France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'; Rafale-Marine Contract Reaffirmed
PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, meeting in Mumbai on February 17, elevated bilateral ties to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership' guided by the Horizon 2047 roadmap. The deal includes acquisition of 26 carrier-based Rafale-Marine jets for the Indian Navy, and co-production of 114 Rafale jets in India.
Key outcomes included: a BEL-Safran joint venture to produce HAMMER missiles in India; reciprocal officer deployments between Indian Army and French Land Forces; a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group for critical technologies; renewal of the defence cooperation agreement; and cooperation on Small Modular Reactors. France also endorsed India's UN Security Council permanent membership bid. The partnership now covers defence, nuclear energy, space, climate, and people-to-people ties.
Mains angle
Q: Analyse the strategic significance of elevating India-France ties to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership' in February 2026, with reference to defence co-production.
Answer (50 words):
On February 17, PM Modi and President Macron elevated bilateral ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership under the Horizon 2047 roadmap. Outcomes include twenty-six Rafale-Marine jets for the Navy, one hundred fourteen Rafale co-production, a BEL-Safran HAMMER missile joint venture, Small Modular Reactor cooperation, and France endorsing India's Security Council seat.
6-axis classification
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Where was the world's first bamboo-based ethanol plant inaugurated by PM Modi in September 2025?
Explanation · Correct answer DPM inaugurated the world's first bamboo-to-ethanol plant at Numaligarh on September 14, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
What is the **India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership** and when was it announced?
India and France elevated their bilateral relationship to a **Special Global Strategic Partnership** during **President Emmanuel Macron's India visit from February 17 to 19, 2026**, deepening ties across defence, space, AI, and nuclear energy.
What is the **Rafale-Marine deal** India signed with France?
India cleared the procurement of **26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets** for the **Indian Navy** from French manufacturer **Dassault Aviation**, worth approximately ₹50,000 crore, to operate from aircraft carriers.
Why did India choose **Rafale-Marine** for its **aircraft carrier**?
**Rafale-Marine** was chosen for its compatibility with carrier-borne operations, advanced avionics, multi-role capability, and France's offer of significant **technology transfer** to India.
How will **Rafale-Marine jets** strengthen **India's naval power** in the Indian Ocean?
The **26 Rafale-Marine jets** will be deployed on **INS Vikrant**, India's indigenous aircraft carrier, significantly enhancing the **Indian Navy's** carrier-based strike capability in the **Indian Ocean Region**.
What sectors does the **India-France Special Strategic Partnership** cover?
The **India-France partnership** covers **defence (Rafale-Marine), civilian nuclear energy, space (ISRO-CNES collaboration), AI governance**, trade, and cultural cooperation.
