India, France to build helicopter capable of flying as high as Mount Everest, says PM Modi
The H125 is described as the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest, and the aircraft will be exported globally.
- Feb 17, 2026,
- Updated Feb 17, 2026 7:26 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described the launch of a new helicopter assembly line in India as a symbol of the “deep trust” between India and France, saying the partnership between the two countries now has “no boundaries.”
Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the H125 Light Utility Helicopter final assembly line at Vemagal in Karnataka. The facility will manufacture Airbus H125 helicopters in India.
“Today, the inauguration of the helicopter assembly line in India is another shining example of this deep trust. We are proud that India and France together will manufacture in India the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest. This aircraft will also be exported across the world. That means the India–France partnership has no boundaries. It can reach from the deep oceans to the tallest mountains,” the Prime Minister said.
The H125 is described as the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest and is designed for high-altitude operations.
Modi said the project highlights the growing strategic and industrial cooperation between New Delhi and Paris, particularly in high-technology and defence manufacturing.
The new assembly line is expected to boost indigenous manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, strengthen India’s position as a global aerospace manufacturing hub, and further deepen bilateral ties between the two countries.
Earlier in the day, Modi said he was “delighted” to meet his “friend” Macron in Mumbai.
The two leaders held delegation-level talks at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, covering a wide range of issues of mutual interest.
In a post on X, Modi said, “It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron, in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!”
Previously in the morning, Macron surprised Mumbaikars by joining morning walkers for a jog along Marine Drive, accompanied by security personnel and officials. The jog passed off peacefully with minimal disruption to locals and the media present.
Later in the day, Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid floral tributes to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The gesture was seen as a mark of solidarity against terrorism and a reminder of the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described the launch of a new helicopter assembly line in India as a symbol of the “deep trust” between India and France, saying the partnership between the two countries now has “no boundaries.”
Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the H125 Light Utility Helicopter final assembly line at Vemagal in Karnataka. The facility will manufacture Airbus H125 helicopters in India.
“Today, the inauguration of the helicopter assembly line in India is another shining example of this deep trust. We are proud that India and France together will manufacture in India the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest. This aircraft will also be exported across the world. That means the India–France partnership has no boundaries. It can reach from the deep oceans to the tallest mountains,” the Prime Minister said.
The H125 is described as the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest and is designed for high-altitude operations.
Modi said the project highlights the growing strategic and industrial cooperation between New Delhi and Paris, particularly in high-technology and defence manufacturing.
The new assembly line is expected to boost indigenous manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, strengthen India’s position as a global aerospace manufacturing hub, and further deepen bilateral ties between the two countries.
Earlier in the day, Modi said he was “delighted” to meet his “friend” Macron in Mumbai.
The two leaders held delegation-level talks at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, covering a wide range of issues of mutual interest.
In a post on X, Modi said, “It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron, in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!”
Previously in the morning, Macron surprised Mumbaikars by joining morning walkers for a jog along Marine Drive, accompanied by security personnel and officials. The jog passed off peacefully with minimal disruption to locals and the media present.
Later in the day, Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid floral tributes to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The gesture was seen as a mark of solidarity against terrorism and a reminder of the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris.