Modi–Macron Mumbai Meeting Today: India-France Strategic Partnership, AI Summit Focus

February 17, 2026

Mumbai, Feb 17 — Narendra Modi welcomed Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday as the French President began a three‑day official visit to India. Their meeting in Mumbai marks the latest high‑level engagement between the two countries, focusing on strengthening defence, economic and technological cooperation. Macron’s visit includes bilateral talks with PM Modi and attendance at events including the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi later this week.

Rafale Deal and Defence Cooperation in Focus

A key item on the agenda is defence cooperation, especially a new deal for Rafale fighter jets. India recently cleared a proposal to procure 114 additional Rafale aircraft from France — a potential milestone in the two nations’ defence partnership. Discussions between the leaders are expected to continue efforts to finalise the mandate, negotiate terms, and explore deeper industrial collaboration under the “Make in India” initiative. This includes potential local manufacturing and technology transfer for critical defence equipment.

Officials also expect talks to expand to broader defence engagements covering joint production of defence systems and strengthening air and maritime cooperation under the Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed earlier.

Trade, Innovation and MoUs

Beyond military discussions, the leaders are poised to push forward bilateral trade and economic ties. Close to a dozen Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are anticipated to be signed across areas such as trade, technology, skilling, health, and supply chain collaboration, aiming to diversify economic cooperation and create new opportunities for industries in both countries.

In the afternoon, PM Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the “India‑France Year of Innovation 2026.” This initiative, announced during Macron’s visit to India in 2025, is designed to foster collaboration among startups, researchers, and industry leaders from both nations throughout the year.

Technology and AI on the Agenda

Technology and innovation are central to the discussions. With the India AI Impact Summit 2026 underway in New Delhi, both leaders are expected to emphasise cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and emerging tech domains. France and India have previously co‑chaired AI summits to develop common standards for trustworthy AI and explore joint research initiatives.

Macron will travel to Delhi later in the visit to participate in the summit, strengthening cooperation in AI ecosystems focusing on research, ethics, and industry partnerships.

Global and Regional Dialogue

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for Modi and Macron to exchange views on regional and global developments, including security concerns in the Indo‑Pacific, geopolitical tensions, and shared strategic priorities. The India‑France partnership is seen as a cornerstone of India’s broader foreign policy, especially amid evolving global challenges.

Visit Highlights Ahead

Over the next two days, the French President will engage with Indian leadership, business stakeholders, and innovators reinforcing bilateral ties spanning defence, trade, technology, and cultural ties. The expanded agenda reflects both nations’ intent to deepen cooperation as strategic partners on the global stage.