Mumbai, India — February 17, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to India on Tuesday, marking the start of a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral and strategic ties between the two nations.
In a message posted on social platform X, Modi greeted Macron and expressed confidence that their discussions would deepen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. He described Macron as a “dear friend” and said he looked forward to meetings in Mumbai and later in New Delhi.
Arrival in Mumbai
Macron and French First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai earlier Tuesday. They were received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The visit will continue until February 19 and includes high-level diplomatic engagements, business meetings, and joint events with Indian officials.
Participation in India AI Impact Summit
Both leaders are scheduled to jointly attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where discussions will focus on cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital governance, and cybersecurity.
Under the India-France Innovation Forum framework, the two sides are also expected to explore collaborations in startups, higher education, research, and emerging technologies.
Defense Deal in Spotlight
A major highlight of Macron’s visit is a potential agreement involving 114 Rafale fighter jets, reportedly valued at about ₹3.25 lakh crore. The proposal has recently received clearance from India’s Defence Acquisition Council, making it a key agenda item during bilateral talks.
The leaders are also set to jointly inaugurate the final assembly line of the H125 light utility helicopter project in Vemagal, Karnataka, developed through the Airbus–Tata partnership.
Strategic Talks Agenda
Official discussions between the two leaders are expected to cover a wide range of issues, including:
Defense cooperation
Emerging technologies
Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific
Joint naval exercises and intelligence sharing
Space collaboration
Civil nuclear energy
Global geopolitical developments
In recent years, India and France have expanded their relationship from a traditional strategic partnership into what officials describe as a comprehensive global partnership.
Macron’s India Visit — Key Highlights
Three-day trip to Mumbai & Delhi
Talks with PM Modi on defense and tech
AI summit participation
Rafale deal discussions likely
Helicopter assembly line launch
📌 Key takeaway: Visit aims to deepen India-France strategic and technological cooperation.
