Overview
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron announced roughly 20 agreements across defence, technology, trade and health during talks in Mumbai.
- The leaders virtually inaugurated an Airbus–Tata H125 helicopter final assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka, highlighting a push for co‑development and manufacturing in India.
- Defence-industrial steps reported include a BEL–Safran joint venture to produce HAMMER missiles in India, reciprocal Army–Land Forces officer deployments, and a renewed defence cooperation agreement.
- Talks continue on India’s proposed purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets, with negotiations focused on technical, commercial and localisation terms for production in India.
- The India–France Year of Innovation 2026 was launched, with new initiatives such as an Indo‑French Centre for AI in Health, a Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and an aeronautics skilling hub, alongside cooperation on critical minerals and tax treaty changes.