PM Modi Welcomes Emmanuel Macron To India: New Rafale Deal, Trade And More On Agenda- Check Details

• French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Mumbai on a three-day India visit.
• PM Modi to hold key bilateral talks, with multiple agreements expected.
• Macron will also attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi.

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in India for a three-day official visit, marking his fourth trip to the country and first to Mumbai.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the French leader, calling him a "dear friend," as India and France prepare to deepen their strategic partnership across defence, technology and global cooperation.

Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron landed in Mumbai on Tuesday and were received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Posters and hoardings welcoming the French President were put up across the city ahead of his arrival.

Key focus of Modi-Macron meeting

Prime Minister Modi and President Macron are set to hold bilateral talks in Mumbai to review progress in the India-France partnership and outline future cooperation. Several agreements across sectors are expected to be finalised following the meeting.

For clarity, here's what will be discussed:

Nearly a dozen MoUs covering defence, trade, health, skilling, supply chains and technology cooperation.

The discussions are also expected to touch on expanding collaboration in innovation and emerging sectors while strengthening economic and strategic engagement.

Defence and strategic cooperation in spotlight

Defence ties are likely to be a major focus, especially after India approved a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework. Both nations are also expected to review ongoing defence projects and long-term military cooperation.

The sixth Annual Defence Dialogue between India and France will also be held, with both sides looking to renew their defence cooperation agreement for another decade and enhance coordination across air and maritime sectors.

Launch of Year of Innovation

During their Mumbai engagements, Modi and Macron will jointly launch the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. The initiative aims to promote collaboration in technology, research, culture and creative industries across both countries.

The programme will be formally inaugurated at the Gateway of India and will run throughout the year, highlighting the growing cultural and technological partnership between the two nations.

Regional issues and AI summit participation

Beyond bilateral ties, the two leaders are expected to exchange views on major global developments, including the Indo-Pacific region, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in West Asia.

After concluding engagements in Mumbai, Macron will travel to New Delhi to participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The summit, running from February 16 to 20, marks the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South and will bring together world leaders, tech executives and policymakers.

Macron's visit underscores the continued momentum in India-France relations as both nations seek to broaden cooperation across defence, technology and strategic domains.