Macron-Modi Mumbai meet: Rafale, AI push to drive India-France talks

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Feb 17 for a three-day official visit to India, where he is set to hold high-level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in defense, artificial intelligence (AI), trade and wider strategic areas.

Macron was welcomed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Acharya Devvrat upon his arrival. The visit marks Macron’s fourth official trip to India and his first to Mumbai. It underscores the deepening India-France partnership across diplomatic, military and technological domains.

A prominent item on the agenda is defense cooperation, particularly discussions around a potential new Rafale fighter jet deal with France.

India and France are expected to review proposals for procuring additional Rafale aircraft, which would build on existing defense ties and strengthen the Indian Air Force’s capabilities. Recent government approvals have paved the way for acquisition plans for up to 114 additional jets, part of a larger defense modernisation effort.

In addition to Rafale jets, both sides are likely to explore broader defense industrial collaboration under the India-France Strategic Partnership, which has been a core pillar of bilateral engagement.

Beyond defense, Macron and Modi are expected to prioritize cooperation in artificial intelligence, technology research, and innovation sectors.

The visit coincides with the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, which brings global leaders together to discuss AI governance, research and industrial partnerships. Macron’s participation in the summit highlights the tech dimension of India-France ties.

The two leaders will formally launch the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai, an initiative aimed at boosting collaboration between start-ups, researchers, industry leaders and innovators across both countries.

Trade and economic cooperation are also expected to feature prominently in discussions, with agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) likely to cover defense, trade, healthcare, vocational training and supply chains. Officials have outlined plans for a broader roadmap under the Horizon 2047 framework, which seeks long-term cooperation across sectors including emerging technologies, critical minerals and strategic supply chains.

Macron and Modi are also set to exchange views on regional and global developments, including the Indo-Pacific strategic landscape and other geopolitical issues that shape bilateral and multilateral engagement.

Following their bilateral talks in Mumbai, Macron and his delegation will travel to New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit until Feb 20, underscoring the importance of innovation and technology in the India-France partnership.