Modi, Macron launch H125 helicopter assembly line

Apart from renewing an agreement for defence cooperation, PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, who met in Mumbai on Tuesday, also presided over the inauguration of H125 helicopter final assembly line at Vemagal in Karnataka.

Modi said the inauguration of the helicopter assembly line in India was another shining example of the trust between the two countries. "We are proud that India and France will manufacture in India the world's only helicopter capable of flying at the height of Mt Everest. And we will export it to the world," said the PM, adding that India-France partnership knows no boundaries and can extend from the deep oceans to the tallest mountains. The two countries are finalising a multibillion-dollar deal for procurement by India of 114 Rafale fighter jets.




The PM said India has just concluded the "largest and most ambitious" FTA in India's history with the EU and that this would grant unprecedented momentum to India-France ties. To promote mutual investment, Modi also announced signing of an agreement to avoid double taxation "for our people and firms".

"All these initiatives will inject new energy into trade, investment and mobility. This is the roadmap for shared prosperity," added Modi.

"We are combining France's expertise with India's scale. We are developing trusted technologies. Through the International Solar Alliance, the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor and joint development projects, we will ensure human development. Through multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy, we will continue to strengthen efforts for stability and prosperity," said the PM, adding that India and France both believe in democratic values, the rule of law and a multipolar world.

Modi also spoke about the need for reform of global institutions, saying only through such reforms can solutions to global challenges emerge. "Whether in Ukraine, West Asia or the Indo-Pacific, we will continue to support all efforts for peace. Eradicating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is our shared commitment," said the PM. Both sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Macron condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and expressed support for India's right to defend itself against terrorism.

The two countries also launched an annual foreign ministers dialogue for regularly reviewing implementation of the elevated partnership and Horizon 2047 Roadmap that was announced in 2023.
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