India and France elevated their bilateral relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" following the summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held from February 17–19, 2026. This marks a significant upgrade from the existing "Strategic Partnership" established in 1998.
The summit produced several landmark outcomes. On the defence front, BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) and France's Safran Group announced a joint venture to co-produce the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) air-to-ground precision missile in India. This missile is currently used by the Indian Air Force on its Rafale jets. The JV will strengthen India's defence manufacturing ecosystem under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The two nations also announced the establishment of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group, which will collaborate on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors — areas aligned with India's technology ambitions.
The year 2026 was declared the "India-France Year of Innovation," promoting bilateral collaboration in science, research, and start-ups. Additionally, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on critical minerals, reflecting shared interests in securing supply chains for green energy and advanced manufacturing.
The partnership underscores France's growing role as India's key European partner, especially as India diversifies its defence and technology partnerships. France is already India's largest supplier of fighter jets (Rafale) and nuclear submarines (Scorpene-class).
These agreements were formalised around March 18–19, 2026, as outcomes of the February summit were announced and ratified.