India-France ties to complete 50 years by 2047:India’s exports jump nearly 2x in five years, outpacing imports — key numbers explained

France President Emmanuel Macron is set to conclude his three-day visit to India on Thursday, February 19, 2026 after the two sides announced a raft of agreements spanning defence, artificial intelligence (AI), education, and other sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and France will mark 2026 as the India–France Year of Innovation, underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. Against the backdrop of strengthening ties between Asia’s third-largest economy and the Western European nation bilateral trade has expanded sharply in recent years. Aggregate trade between India and France rose nearly 90% to ₹1,28,311.10 crore in FY25 from ₹67,489.99 crore in FY21. France accounted for 1.31% of India’s total global trade of ₹98,01,621.90 crore in fiscal 2025. India’s positive trade balance with France: India has a positive trade balance with France. Former being net exporter of goods from the latter. New Delhi’s exports to Paris exceeds imports. The L’Hexagone country is one of those nations, with which India has a positive trade balance. New Delhi’s exports to Paris up nearly 2x in 5 years: India’s exports to France has almost doubled in the last five years to ₹67,292.86 crore in FY25 from ₹35,329.22 crore in FY21. France accounted for 1.82% out of India’s total exports of ₹37,03,412.02 crore in fiscal 2025. India’s imports from France has also nearly doubled in the last five years to ₹61,018.25 crore in FY25 from ₹32,160.77 crore in FY21. Out of India’s total imports of ₹6,098,209.88 crore, France’s share stood at 1% in FY25. What India exports to France? In 2024-2025, India’s top exports to France include mineral fuels and oils, engineering goods, electrical machinery, aircraft/spacecraft parts, and pharmaceuticals. Key commodities also include textiles, gems and jewelry, leather goods, refined petroleum, and agricultural products like rice. Bilateral trade is heavily driven by industrial machinery and technical components. Key Indian export items to France, based on recent data, include: Mineral Fuels Oils: Refined petroleum, bitumen, and mineral waxes are major export items. Engineering Electronics: Machinery, mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, and parts. Aircraft Spacecraft Parts: Significant components for the aerospace sector. Pharmaceuticals: Drugs, medication, and, increasingly, medical equipment. Textiles Apparels: Knitted/crocheted clothing and fashion accessories. Others: Jewellery, gemstones, leather products, and agricultural items like rice. What New Delhi imports from Paris? India primarily imports high-value engineering and technology products from France, dominated by aircraft/spacecraft parts, defense equipment (including Rafale jets), machinery, and pharmaceuticals. Other significant imports include electrical/electronic equipment, chemical products, plastics, and precision medical/surgical instruments. Key imports from France in 2024-2025 include: Aircraft, Spacecraft, and Parts: This is the top import category, representing a massive share of total imports. Defense Aerospace: Including Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy, along with related components and, to a lesser extent, arms/ammunition. Machinery and Mechanical Appliances: Nuclear reactors, boilers, turbo-jets, and turbopropellers. Electrical Equipment: Electronic machinery, audio/video equipment, and components. Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals: Organic chemicals and pharmaceutical products. Precision Instruments: Medical, surgical, optical, and photographic apparatus. PM Modi Macron’s joint address:
Background:
During the visit of the French President to India, the two nations elevated their ties to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership,’ focusing on defense, space, and technology. Key outcomes included launching the H125 helicopter assembly line in India, finalizing the 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jet deal, and establishing a ‘Joint Advanced Technology Development Group’ for critical minerals.