English Translation of Press Statement by the Prime Minister during the Joint Press Statement with the President of France (February 17, 2025)

Your Excellency, My Dear Friend, President Macron
Delegates from both countries,
Friends from the media,
Namaskar!
Bonjour

I'm delighted to welcome my dear friend, President Macron, to Mumbai. Last year, he invited me to the AI Action Summit in France.

We then visited Marseille the largest port city in France and an important entry point to France and Europe. It is also the city where Indian soldiers first arrived in Europe during World War I. Their courage and sacrifice are still remembered in many parts of Europe today.

And this is the same city where freedom fighter Veer Savarkar jumped into the sea to escape from British custody. This brave act showed his strong determination for India's independence. I had the chance to visit Marseille last year and pay my respects to him there.

This time, when President Macron comes to India for the AI ​​Impact Summit, we are fortunate to welcome him in Mumbai, the Gateway of India.

Friends,

The relationship between India and France is very special. France is one of India's oldest strategic partners. And together with President Macron, we have given this strategic partnership unprecedented depth and energy. Based on this trust and shared vision, today we are establishing our relationship as a Special Global Strategic Partnership.

This partnership is not just strategic. In today's uncertain times, it is a partnership that supports global stability and drives global progress.

Friends,

Today's inauguration of a helicopter assembly line in India is a strong example of this deep trust and cooperation. We are proud that India and France will jointly manufacture in India the world's only helicopter capable of flying at the height of Mount Everest. And we will also export it worldwide.

Meaning, India-France partnership knows no boundaries,

It can reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountain.

Friends,

The year 2026 marks a turning point in India-Europe relations. Just a few days ago, we signed the largest and most ambitious free trade agreement in India's history with the European Union. This free trade agreement will also bring unprecedented momentum to India-France relations.

To promote mutual investment, we are signing an agreement today to ensure that our people and companies do not have to pay double taxation. All these initiatives will give new momentum to trade, investment, and mobility between our two countries. This is our roadmap for shared prosperity.

Friends,

With the launch of the India - France Year of Innovation, we are taking our strategic partnership forward and transforming it into a partnership of the people. Because innovation does not happen in isolation, it grows through collaboration.

Therefore, during the India-France Year of Innovation, our goal is to strengthen people-to-people connections. Whether it is defence or clean energy, space or emerging technologies, we will connect our industries and innovators across every sector.

We will build strong networks between start-ups and MSMEs. We will make it easier for our students and researchers to exchange ideas and collaborate. At the same time, we will establish new joint innovation centers.

Friends,

Today, we are further strengthening our cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. We are launching the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics. These are not just institutions, they are platforms for building the future.

Friends,

Today, the world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such times, the India-France partnership is a strong force for global stability. We are combining France's expertise with India's scale. We are developing trusted technologies together. Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and joint development projects, we are working to ensure human development. We will continue to strengthen stability and prosperity through multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy.

Friends,

India and France both believe in democratic values, the rule of law, and a multipolar world. We are united in the view that global challenges can be solved only through reforms of global institutions.

Whether in Ukraine, West Asia, or the Indo-Pacific, we will continue to support all efforts for peace in every region. Eliminating terrorism in all its forms remains our shared commitment.

Friends,

India and France are both ancient and rich civilizations. We deeply value our cultural and people-to-people ties. We are pleased to have collaborated on the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum. And now, we are also moving forward to cooperate with France on the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal.

To bring Indian culture closer to the people of France, we are soon going to open Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in France.

Your Excellency,

You have shown deep commitment to the India-France partnership. I am truly delighted that today, together, we are beginning a new chapter in our relationship.

Let us work together for global stability and prosperity.

Thank you very much.

Merci beaucoup.

Mumbai
February 17, 2025