Desk News : Voice of Calcutta

India–France Sign 20 Key Agreements in Mumbai

India and France elevated their bilateral relations to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” during the Mumbai summit.

The two countries signed 20 agreements/MoUs covering defence, technology, health, energy, education and trade.

🔹 Key 20 Agreements:

Joint production of HAMMER missiles in India (Safari–BEL)

Airbus–Tata helicopter manufacturing facility in Karnataka

Officer exchange programme between Indian and French armies

Maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

Joint defence research projects

Establishment of Indo-French Centre for AI in Health

Creation of Digital Science & Technology Centre

Centre of Excellence for Aeronautics Skilling

Start-up cooperation (T-Hub–France Hub)

Metabolic and chronic disease research centre

Joint research on infectious diseases

Renewal of renewable energy cooperation (solar & wind)

Cooperation on Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMR)

Critical minerals supply chain partnership

Amendment of Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)

Trade and investment promotion MoU

Opening of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in France

French support for Lothal Maritime Heritage Complex, Gujarat

Cooperation between India Post and La Poste (France)

Education and student exchange programme (target: 30,000 Indian students)

🌍 Strategic Significance:

Through these agreements, India and France aim to:

Strengthen defence self-reliance

Lead globally in AI and technology

Build long-term cooperation in health, energy and education

Enhance joint security role in the Indo-Pacific region

Desk News : Voice of Calcutta