French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai on Monday evening for a three-day official visit to India running from February 17 to 19. Talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to focus heavily on artificial intelligence and strategic cooperation, with a renewed push for bilateral defence partnerships — including the joint manufacturing of helicopters and HAMMER precision-guided missiles — expected to be a key agenda item.
Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, the couple were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Marking his fourth visit to India, Macron is scheduled to participate in the AI Impact Summit alongside a bilateral summit in Mumbai. Taking to X, the French President remarked that the official visit would strengthen the Indo-French strategic partnership and active cooperation.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the French leader on X, stating: “Towards a stronger India-France strategic partnership! Warm welcome to President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. During the visit, PM Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders will launch the Year of Innovation 2026. The visit will impart further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership.”
According to an official statement, Prime Minister Modi travelled to Mumbai on Monday to meet President Macron. The two leaders are expected to review progress under the India-France strategic partnership and outline the next phase of cooperation. Their meeting at Lok Bhawan on Tuesday afternoon will focus on assessing milestones achieved under the bilateral framework and exploring avenues to further strengthen ties.
Discussions are likely to expand cooperation into new and emerging areas, especially artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, according to media. Furthermore, the leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the growing strategic convergence between New Delhi and Paris.
India-France share a broad-based partnership spanning defence, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action, and education. The bilateral relationship has been strengthened considerably since the first visit of President Macron to India in 2018. The French President later attended the G20 Summit in 2023 and was the Chief Guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations in 2024.
The major highlight of the Mumbai leg will be the joint launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, which was announced during the 2024 State Visit of President Macron to India. After their bilateral meeting, the two leaders will also witness the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding at Raj Bhawan. They are also scheduled to attend the India-France Innovation Forum at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and a cultural commemoration event at the Gateway of India.
In a move to accelerate military modernisation, Prime Minister Modi and Macron may announce a major deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets under the 'Make in India' initiative. The leaders will also discuss expanding defence industrial collaboration through technology transfer and joint production.
Macron will travel to New Delhi on February 18 to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The summit, running from February 16 to 20, is described as the first global AI gathering hosted in the Global South. On February 19, the French President will participate in the opening ceremony, leaders’ plenary, and a working lunch alongside other heads of state and government before departing for Paris later that afternoon.
Also read: PM Modi to meet French President Macron in Mumbai
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