Modi, Macron Launch H125 Line in Mumbai Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held bilateral talks in Mumbai on Tuesday, marking a key moment in efforts to deepen India-France strategic ties across defence, trade and technology.

The two leaders addressed a joint press conference and launched the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility is a collaboration between Tata and Airbus and is expected to boost local manufacturing in the defence sector.

Year of Innovation Launched

During the visit, Modi and Macron jointly launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation in emerging sectors such as defence, clean energy, space and advanced technologies.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said the Year of Innovation would transform the strategic partnership into a “Partnership of the People.” He emphasised greater collaboration between industries, startups, MSMEs, students and researchers from both countries.

The opening ceremony for the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration is scheduled at Mumbai’s Gateway of India.

Defence Cooperation in Focus

Defence ties featured prominently in the discussions. India recently approved a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework.

The two countries are also expected to renew their defence cooperation agreement for another decade during the sixth Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru. Officials indicated that discussions would focus on air and maritime collaboration, aligned with the Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed in 2024.

India has in recent years sought to diversify defence procurement while strengthening domestic production capabilities.

Strategic Talks and AI Summit

The bilateral meeting covered cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, climate action, education and supply chains under the Horizon 2047 roadmap. Nearly a dozen agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed.

Macron is on a three-day visit to India and will attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi later this week.

Earlier in the day, the French President jogged at Marine Drive in Mumbai and paid homage to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

Warm Diplomatic Exchange

PM Modi welcomed Macron in Mumbai, describing him as a close friend. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to advancing bilateral ties to new heights.

Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, was received at Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

This marks Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first official engagement in Mumbai.

As the two countries expand cooperation in defence manufacturing, artificial intelligence and innovation, the visit underscores the growing importance of the India-France strategic partnership in a changing global landscape.