Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday jointly inaugurated the final assembly line for the H125 helicopter at Vemagal in Karnataka, marking a significant step in deepening defence-industrial cooperation between the two countries.
The leaders also renewed the bilateral defence cooperation agreement during their meeting in Mumbai.
Calling the inauguration a shining example of mutual trust, Modi said India and France would manufacture in India the world’s only helicopter capable of operating at the altitude of Mount Everest and export it globally. He added that the India-France partnership spans from the depths of the oceans to the highest mountains, reflecting the breadth of collaboration.
The two nations are also in advanced stages of negotiations for a multi-billion-dollar deal under which India is expected to procure 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
Boost to economic ties
Modi noted that India has recently concluded what he described as the largest and most ambitious free trade agreement in its history with the European Union, which he said would provide fresh momentum to India-France relations. To further facilitate bilateral investment, he announced the signing of an agreement to avoid double taxation for individuals and businesses.
“These initiatives will inject new energy into trade, investment and mobility. This is our roadmap for shared prosperity,” Modi said.
He emphasised that the partnership blends French technological expertise with India’s scale and manufacturing capabilities. Referring to collaborative platforms such as the International Solar Alliance and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, Modi said the two countries are working together to advance sustainable development and connectivity.
Shared values and global issues
Modi underscored that both nations are committed to democratic values, the rule of law and a multipolar global order. He also stressed the need to reform global institutions to better address contemporary challenges.
“Whether in Ukraine, West Asia or the Indo-Pacific, we will continue to support all efforts for peace,” he said, reiterating the shared commitment of both countries to combat terrorism in all its forms.
Macron condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and reaffirmed France’s support for India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.
The two sides also agreed to launch an annual foreign ministers’ dialogue to regularly review the progress of their elevated strategic partnership and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap announced in 2023, further institutionalising cooperation across defence, technology and global governance.
