Mumbai, India — February 16, 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to arrive late Monday night in Mumbai for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation between India and France. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the trip from February 16–19 will include bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, participation in global technology events, and discussions on defense, innovation, and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
This marks Macron’s fourth visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, underscoring the continuity and depth of the India-France strategic partnership.
Arrival and Mumbai Engagements
Macron will land at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 11:50 p.m. Monday.
February 17 – Mumbai Schedule
3:15 p.m.: Bilateral meeting with PM Modi at Lok Bhavan
4:30 p.m.: Exchange of agreements and joint press statement at Raj Bhavan
5:20 p.m.: India-France Innovation Forum at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
7:15 p.m.: Joint launch event for the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration 2026 at the Gateway of India
Officials say the Mumbai leg emphasizes economic collaboration, innovation partnerships, and cultural ties.
Delhi Leg Focused on AI and Global Policy
February 18 – New Delhi
Macron will arrive in the capital at 2:00 p.m. and attend sessions at Bharat Mandapam, where global policymakers, scientists, and technology leaders are gathering for a major artificial intelligence summit.
February 19 – Summit Highlights
9:40 a.m.: Opening ceremony in Plenary Hall
10:40 a.m.: Tour of country pavilions
12:00 p.m.: Leaders’ plenary and working lunch
Afternoon: Bilateral talks on the Horizon 2047 Roadmap
3:45 p.m.: Departure for Paris
Strategic Agenda: Defense, Innovation, Indo-Pacific
Diplomatic sources indicate the leaders will review cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, focusing on:
Defense collaboration
Advanced technology and research
Clean energy partnerships
Innovation ecosystems
People-to-people exchanges
They are also expected to discuss regional and global issues, including Indo-Pacific security and multilateral cooperation.
The visit comes as India expands defense procurement partnerships, including recent approvals for major deals reportedly involving French fighter aircraft and missile systems — developments highlighting the strategic dimension of bilateral ties.
Growing Momentum in Bilateral Relations
Recent high-level exchanges have strengthened trust between the two countries:
PM Modi’s France visit in February 2025
His role as chief guest at France’s Bastille Day celebrations in 2023
Macron’s participation as chief guest at India’s Republic Day 2024
Diplomats say these engagements have accelerated cooperation in technology, security, and economic sectors.
2026 Declared Year of Innovation
India and France have designated 2026 as the “Year of Innovation,” aimed at boosting collaboration in:
Startups and entrepreneurship
Artificial intelligence
Scientific research
Cultural exchange
Macron’s visit is widely seen as the formal launch of this initiative and a step toward expanding bilateral cooperation across strategic and technological domains.
