PM Modi: France Key to 'Make in India' Mission; Macron Hails 'Trust, Openness' in Ties

• PM Modi and French President Macron addressed a joint press interaction in Mumbai after virtually inaugurating the Tata Airbus H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line in Karnataka.
• The leaders digitally unveiled the H-125 helicopter final assembly line, highlighting growing defense and industrial cooperation, with Modi stating India-made helicopters will serve global markets.
• Modi described France as one of India’s oldest strategic partners, emphasizing unlimited cooperation scope and strengthening India’s manufacturing ambitions and trusted defense ties.
• Macron affirmed the bilateral relationship as remarkable and unique, built on trust, openness, and ambition, elevating it to a Special Strategic Partnership.
• New initiatives include Indo-French Centres for AI in Health and Digital Science, National Centre of Alliance for Skilling in Aeronautics, and cooperation in critical minerals, biotech, and advanced materials.