Defence and Trade in Focus During Macron–Modi Mumbai Talks

France remains one of India’s closest strategic partners in Europe. It is also a major supplier of defence equipment, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines. On February 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai for detailed bilateral talks. The leaders reviewed progress in defence cooperation and explored new areas of collaboration. They also discussed trade, investment, technology, and global security challenges. The meeting reflected the steady growth of the Delhi–Paris strategic partnership in recent years.

Macron is on a three-day official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at Modi’s invitation. During his stay, he will attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The visit follows Modi’s trip to France in February 2025, which further strengthened diplomatic ties. The Ministry of External Affairs said the frequent exchanges show “mutual trust and depth” in the relationship. Notably, Macron is the second world leader hosted by Modi in Mumbai in recent months, after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the financial capital last October.

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Macron Focuses on Defence Push and Expanding Strategic Ties

Defence cooperation remains a central pillar of India–France relations. France is keen to expand its military partnership with India. The leaders discussed a potential agreement for 114 additional fighter jets. Recently, Indian authorities moved forward with plans to procure 114 new Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation. This step signals continued confidence in French defence technology and long-term strategic alignment.

Moreover, India confirmed its intention to place a major Rafale order just days before Macron’s visit. In January, India and the European Union signed a landmark free trade agreement. Both sides described it as the “mother of all deals,” highlighting its economic importance. These parallel developments could deepen economic and defence cooperation. As a result, New Delhi and Paris aim to broaden engagement across strategic sectors and global platforms.

Innovation, AI Summit and Cultural Engagement

Earlier in the day, Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The gesture underlined solidarity against terrorism and respect for shared democratic values. Later, Macron will attend the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai. He will also participate in events at the Gateway of India marking the Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration. These programmes aim to boost collaboration in science, startups, education, and creative industries.

After completing his engagements in Mumbai, Macron will travel to New Delhi on February 19. There, he will join global leaders at the AI Impact Summit. Earlier, India and France co-chaired the AI Action Summit in February 2025, reinforcing cooperation in emerging technologies. Innovation and science partnerships form a key part of the Horizon 2047 roadmap. Through the Year of Innovation, both nations plan joint initiatives in culture, trade, research, and advanced technology sectors.

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