Macron Arrives in Mumbai for Strategic Talks
French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Mumbai on February 17, 2026, kicking off a three‑day official visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He arrived with First Lady Brigitte Macron and a high‑level delegation of business, technology and defence leaders, underlining the importance Paris attaches to its ties with India.
Macron’s visit marks his fourth to India but is his first stop in Mumbai. Following welcoming ceremonies by Maharashtra’s Governor and Chief Minister, he prepared for wide‑ranging talks with PM Modi set for later that day at Lok Bhavan in South Mumbai.
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Defence Cooperation and Rafale Deal Talks
A central focus of the bilateral summit was reinforcing defence cooperation between the two nations. Both leaders reviewed progress under the India‑France strategic partnership and discussed expanding collaboration in high‑technology defence manufacturing.
India is moving forward with plans to procure up to 114 additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets, bolstering its combat aircraft fleet and further integrating French defence technology into its armed forces. Reports indicate that a portion of these jets could be manufactured locally under the government’s “Make in India” initiative, signaling deeper industrial cooperation.
Artificial Intelligence and Technology Partnership
Macron and Modi placed significant emphasis on boosting cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting‑edge technology. Their discussions aimed to build on last year’s co‑hosted AI Action Summit in Paris and deepen research, standards development, and industry collaboration.
Following their Mumbai talks, Macron was scheduled to travel to New Delhi to participate in the India AI Impact Summit 2026, an event described as the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South. The Leaders reiterated commitments to advancing innovation, joint research, and ethical AI frameworks.
Launch of India‑France Innovation Initiatives
In Mumbai, Modi and Macron jointly inaugurated the India‑France Year of Innovation 2026, a bilateral initiative to foster collaboration between start‑ups, researchers, industry leaders, and innovators from both countries.
The launch event highlighted shared ambitions to diversify cooperation beyond defence and AI into emerging sectors such as space, clean energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. The leaders also oversaw the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding covering strategic sectors and held cultural engagements to celebrate deeper people‑to‑people ties.
Trade, Global Issues and Strategic Dialogue
Macron and Modi discussed ways to expand economic and trade relations, including exploring new avenues for investment and technology transfer. They exchanged views on regional and global challenges, including cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific, critical minerals supply chains, and broader geopolitical dynamics.
The meeting reflected both nations’ desire to maintain a strong, multidimensional partnership that addresses contemporary strategic priorities while supporting global stability.
Conclusion: Reinforcing a Strategic Partnership
In conclusion, President Macron’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Mumbai underscored a deepening India‑France strategic partnership. The talks strengthened defence ties with potential Rafale acquisitions, reaffirmed cooperation in artificial intelligence and technology, and set a collaborative agenda for expanding trade and innovation. Both leaders actively charted a course for future engagements, including Macron’s participation at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, reinforcing their commitment to shared growth, security, and global cooperation.
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