French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India on the nation’s 79th Independence Day, expressing confidence that the India–France strategic partnership will strengthen further towards 2047 and beyond.

“Warm congratulations to the people of India on your 79th Independence Day! I fondly recall welcoming my friend Narendra Modi to France in February, and look forward to deepening our strategic partnership towards 2047 and beyond,” Macron posted on X.

His remarks follow last month’s message from France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, who underlined the trust and shared ambition driving the bilateral relationship. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had also extended greetings to France on its National Day in July, reaffirming mutual commitment.

The partnership has seen significant momentum in recent months. In June, Jaishankar visited Paris, building on PM Modi’s landmark February trip for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit. Both sides reiterated their dedication to implementing the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and the Defence Industrial Roadmap, setting the course for cooperation up to 2047 — marking the centenary of India’s independence and diplomatic ties, as well as 50 years of their strategic partnership.

Advancements have been noted in defence, technology, trade, investment, health, education, talent mobility, museum collaboration, and people-to-people connections. New Delhi and Paris are also exploring fresh opportunities in emerging sectors, with 2026 set to be celebrated as the India–France Year of Innovation.

The long-standing relationship, rooted in mutual trust, continues to adapt to global challenges while opening new avenues for growth, innovation, and strategic alignment.