Macron, Modi Boost India-France Ties: Defence, AI, and Strategic Partnership Elevated

• French President Emmanuel Macron began his three-day India visit in Mumbai, meeting PM Modi for high-level talks.
• Discussions focused on strengthening the India-France strategic partnership across defence, trade, innovation, and culture.
• Leaders elevated ties to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" and discussed major defence purchases, including Rafale jets.
• A final assembly line for H125 helicopters (Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus) was virtually inaugurated in Karnataka.
• New innovation initiatives like Indo-French Centres for AI in Health and Digital Science and Technology were launched.