President Emmanuel Macron says India and France share a powerful vision for a multipolar world, expanding defence, AI, innovation, and Indo-Pacific cooperation under the ambitious Horizon 2047 roadmap, strengthening strategic autonomy and global democratic leadership.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday declared that the India-France relationship has reached a level of trust that is “unique in the world today,” reaffirming a shared commitment to building a sovereign, independent, and multipolar global order. His remarks came after high-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both leaders outlined an ambitious roadmap for the next phase of the Horizon 2047 partnership.
President Macron began his day in Mumbai with a symbolic morning jog at Marine Drive and a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The gestures reflected both solidarity and strategic depth, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two democracies.
A Unique Strategic Partnership
Following bilateral discussions, Macron emphasized that the India-France partnership extends across domains—from the deep oceans to the highest mountains. “We are not just partners,” he said, “we are two nations that share a vision for a sovereign, independent, and multipolar world.”
Highlighting mutual strategic autonomy, Macron stressed that the partnership goes beyond transactional diplomacy. He described India as the “central pillar” of France’s Indo-Pacific strategy and reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to a free and open maritime corridor in the region.
The French President reiterated France’s unwavering support for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. “The world of today cannot be governed by the rules of yesterday,” Macron said, calling India’s inclusion in the global decision-making body a necessity for 21st-century governance.
Defence Cooperation Enters New Era
Defence collaboration featured prominently in the discussions. Macron welcomed India’s approval for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jet, noting that the majority of these advanced jets will be manufactured domestically under India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
“Our defence cooperation is not just about a buyer and a seller,” Macron stated. “It is about building a shared industrial base for the future of global security.”
In a significant milestone, the leaders celebrated the inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line in India—the first such facility in the country. The helicopters produced at this plant are designed to operate in extreme environments, including high-altitude regions such as the Himalayas. This development strengthens India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem while deepening technology transfer between the two nations.
Launch of the India-France Year of Innovation
Marking a new chapter in bilateral relations, Macron officially launched the India-France Year of Innovation, aimed at boosting collaboration in research, technology, and entrepreneurship. He announced new incentives for Indian tech talent and startups to work with French counterparts, particularly in sectors such as Green Tech, Green Hydrogen, and space exploration.
“Today, Mumbai becomes the capital of our shared future,” Macron remarked. “From Green Hydrogen to space exploration, our goal is to turn ‘Indo-French’ into a global gold standard for technology.”
The initiative will also expand academic and cultural exchanges in 2026, bringing students, researchers, and young innovators from both countries closer through joint programs and collaborative research projects.
Leading the World in Sovereign AI
A key highlight of Macron’s address was the growing partnership in artificial intelligence. Referring to the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, he underscored the “Marseille to Mumbai” connection, symbolizing a technology bridge between Europe and Asia.
Macron asserted that India and France are poised to become leading “AI Nations” shaping the ethical framework of 21st-century technology. He emphasized the concept of “Sovereign AI”—systems developed independently, aligned with democratic values, and respectful of data privacy.
“We are working together to develop a Sovereign AI—one that serves our citizens and the Global South, ensuring technology remains a tool for progress, not control,” he said.
This shared vision places India and France at the forefront of global debates on digital governance, AI ethics, and equitable technological growth, particularly for emerging economies.
Shared Vision for a Multipolar Future
President Macron echoed Prime Minister Modi’s call for peace in global conflict zones and stressed the importance of balance in an increasingly fragmented world. According to Macron, India and France speak “the language of balance” in international affairs—advocating dialogue, strategic autonomy, and multipolarity.
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The Horizon 2047 roadmap aims to elevate bilateral ties across defence, climate action, clean energy, maritime security, space cooperation, and advanced technology. As global geopolitics shifts toward greater complexity, both nations see their partnership as a stabilizing force rooted in democratic values and mutual respect.
With expanding defence deals, deepening AI collaboration, and a strong push for innovation-led growth, France has firmly positioned itself as one of India’s most significant Western allies. The evolving partnership signals not just bilateral progress but a broader alignment shaping the future of global governance.
