Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron met in Mumbai to discuss defence, trade, and innovation, with Rafale deals, AI collaboration, and cultural ties on the agenda. How will this visit shape India-France strategic and technological partnership?
The discussions come during Macron’s official visit to India from February 17 to 19
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday, February 17, for a high-level bilateral meeting aimed at strengthening strategic, defence, and trade ties between India and France.
The discussions come during Macron’s official visit to India from February 17 to 19, where he is also scheduled to participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, hosted by India.
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France remains one of India’s closest European strategic partners and a key supplier of advanced defence equipment, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines. Ahead of Macron’s visit, India advanced its plans to procure 114 additional Rafale jets from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation, highlighting deepening defence collaboration.
The external affairs ministry noted that Macron’s visit follows Modi’s trip to France in February 2025 and underscores the “mutual trust and depth of the India-France strategic partnership.”
Earlier in the day, President Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, acknowledging the resilience of the city.
Later, Macron attended the India-France Innovation Forum at a Mumbai hotel and participated in the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration ceremony at the Gateway of India, celebrating bilateral achievements in science, technology, and culture.
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The India-France bilateral agenda emphasizes not only defence but also trade, innovation, and technology cooperation. France and India had previously co-chaired the AI Action Summit in February 2025, and current initiatives are aligned with the Horizon 2047 roadmap, which promotes collaboration in technology, cultural exchange, and innovation across sectors.
After concluding the Mumbai engagements, Macron and Brigitte Macron will travel to New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit on February 19, bringing together global leaders, startups, and researchers to discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.
Macron is the second world leader to visit Mumbai recently, following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
