07:55 PM, 17-Feb-2026
Macron and PM Modi seen in a car
Today, after talks and press briefing at Lok Bhawan in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron traveled in the same car. During this, both the leaders also had friendly talks.
07:54 PM, 17-Feb-2026
Meeting of Rajnath Singh and Catherine Vautrin at the 6th annual defense dialogue of India-France
India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin held a joint meeting in the 6th India-France Annual Defense Dialogue held in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka. In the meeting, French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said that defense is the main cornerstone of relations between India and France. He said that the cooperation between the two countries is excellent, which includes joint exercises and co-construction of military platforms.
Vautrin said this partnership is based on mutual respect, which makes India an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region. He also drew attention to the security situation in the world and said that nowadays many countries are increasing weapons. In such a situation, it has become even more important to discuss cooperation in space, industry and bilateral partnerships.
#WATCH | Karnataka: At the 6th India–France Annual Defense Dialogue in Bengaluru, French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin says, “Defense is the central pillar of the relationship between our countries, and our collaboration is exemplary with the joint exercises that are carried… https://t.co/3wEZNNqi9c pic.twitter.com/sBLxHmfz7n
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2026
07:06 PM, 17-Feb-2026
Invitation given to leaders, CEOs, investors and universities
PM Modi said that I invite leaders, CEOs, investors and universities from France and the whole world, let us together with India create a future where technology serves humanity and this technology is inclusive. I am very grateful to my friend (Macro) for the kind of confidence he has shown in the relations between the two countries.
07:06 PM, 17-Feb-2026
Year 2026 is special for India-France- PM Modi
PM Modi said that the year 2026 is a special year for India-France relations. Industry-to-industry partnerships are expanding. Just as we are connected here today, in the same way we will showcase India’s best tech startups to the world in France in June 2026.
07:05 PM, 17-Feb-2026
Minds of India and France are one – PM Modi
Even today the best minds of both the countries are together here. Today India and France are welcoming each other’s talent.
07:04 PM, 17-Feb-2026
PM Modi said- Today almost 50 percent of startups have a woman director.
PM Modi said that 15 thousand content creators labs will be created. We will promote innovation in sectors like textile, chemical, electronic, infrastructure, etc. Today, almost 50 percent of startups have a woman director. A large number of girl students are becoming STEM graduates. From health to space missions, women are shining everywhere.
06:56 PM, 17-Feb-2026
Will make a helicopter that can fly to heights like Mount Everest- PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi said in a joint press conference that India and France will together make a helicopter in India that can fly to heights like Mount Everest. Let us tell you that PM Modi said these things when both the leaders inaugurated the H-125 helicopter assembly line of Tata-Airbus online. The assembly line is the place where the helicopter’s structure, engine, fans and electronic systems are assembled in different stages and this is where the entire helicopter is ready.
05:59 PM, 17-Feb-2026
India and France both have ancient and rich civilizations – PM Modi
PM Modi said that both India and France are ancient and rich civilizations. Great importance is given to cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries. There has been a long standing cooperation between India and France. He said India and France will now collaborate on the National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal, and have already worked together on the Jewel Museum.
He also informed that Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center will soon be opened in France to bring Indian culture closer to the people of France. The Prime Minister said that French President Macron has a deep dedication towards India-France partnership and today both the countries have started a new chapter in their relations. He also gave the message of working together for world stability and prosperity.
05:53 PM, 17-Feb-2026
Macron said- Today both the countries gave this partnership the status of special strategic partnership.
President Macron said that both the countries have today given this partnership the status of a special strategic partnership, which has given it new importance. He said that in the last eight years both the countries have taken many new initiatives in different fields. Giving examples, he said that whether it is the Indo-Pacific region, new technology, Artificial Intelligence or projects like International Solar Alliance, both the countries have taken many steps together. President Macron also said that both countries respect the law and believe in the absence of monopoly in any field.
05:48 PM, 17-Feb-2026
Bilateral relations between India and France are special and unique – Macron
After PM Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron in his address first thanked India for the warm welcome during his fourth official visit. He said that the bilateral relations between India and France are special and unique, based on trust, transparency and ambition.