New Delhi, Feb. 17 -- India and France on Tuesday upgraded their ties to a "special global strategic partnership" and pledged to enhance collaboration in defence, commerce and essential minerals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron characterised the bilateral relationship as a "force for global stability" amidst rising international geopolitical volatility.

The prime minister, noting the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific region, emphasised that both India and France are committed to democratic principles, the rule of law and a multipolar global order.

"The world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global ...