Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on Tuesday, marking the start of a three-day visit to India focused on artificial intelligence collaboration and a potential multibillion-dollar fighter jet deal.
The visit aims to strengthen India-France strategic ties, with discussions expected to cover cooperation in emerging technologies, including AI, as well as a potential deal for additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets. Macron and Modi are also set to review progress in the India-France strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues.
Prime Minister Modi traveled to Mumbai for the meeting, where Macron arrived late Monday night with his wife, Brigitte Macron. This is Macron’s fourth visit to India since assuming office in 2017. The talks follow India’s confirmation last week of a major Rafale purchase, alongside the signing of a landmark India-EU free trade agreement in January.
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According to the Prime Minister’s Office, deliberations will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in strategic, economic, and technological sectors. A potential contract for 114 additional Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force may also be discussed, adding to India’s earlier orders for 36 air force and 26 navy Rafales. Most of the jets are expected to be manufactured in India.
As part of his visit, the leaders will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and address an audience of business leaders, start-up founders, and researchers. They are also scheduled to inaugurate India’s first helicopter final assembly line in Karnataka, a joint venture between Tata Group and Airbus, which will manufacture Airbus H125 helicopters.
Macron Visit Highlights Strengthened India-France Economic, Defence, and Technology Ties
Macron emphasized that the visit aims to strengthen cooperation with India and diversify France’s economic and trade ties. With India emerging as the world’s fourth-largest economy in the near future, Paris has become a key defence and economic partner, with bilateral trade around $18 billion annually and French FDI totaling nearly $15 billion.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss global economic uncertainties, regional security, and China’s influence, further cementing the India-France strategic partnership.