French President Emmanuel Macron's flight took off for India. The President plans to land in Mumbai first for the Bilateral Summit and then proceed to the capital, New Delhi.

Macron's visit aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

"En route to India!" Macron posted on his X handle. "Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to take our strategic partnership even further."

"On board with me: business leaders and the economic, industrial, cultural, and digital players who give real, tangible life to the ties between India and France."

Macron’s Visit: What’s Expected?

Macron plans his visit from Feb 17 to Feb 19 to deepen the India–France strategic partnership and celebrate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.

Key Agendas and Activities

Macron will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai for the Bilateral Summit. They will review progress under the Horizon 2047 roadmap and discuss defence, technology, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and other bilateral issues. On 19 February, Macron will participate in the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi alongside global leaders. They will advance cooperation in artificial intelligence, joint research, and technology standards. The two leaders will jointly inaugurate the Year of Innovation in Mumbai, with events planned in both countries throughout 2026. Macron will meet with Indian cinema leaders to expand film cooperation and encourage more Bollywood productions in France. Macron will meet Indian investors in Mumbai. He will promote France as a destination for capital and highlight the growing Indian presence in France.

Major Defence and Strategic Deals

The leaders will focus talks on a potential €30–35 billion contract for 114 additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets. They will deliver 18 in fly-away condition and manufacture the rest in India under the “Make in India” initiative. This contract would bring India’s total Rafale fleet to 62 (36 in the Air Force, 26 for the Navy). Macron and Modi will inaugurate India’s first helicopter final assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka. Tata Group and Airbus operate this joint venture, which will produce the H125. The leaders will also discuss submarine development under Project P-75I, engine technology collaboration, and joint production of HAMMER precision-guided missiles.

Broader Strategic Context

The visit follows India's approval of a $40 billion arms package in early February, which includes the Rafale deal and other military equipment. It also comes after both sides signed a landmark EU–India free trade agreement in January. Both sides seek to diversify defence suppliers away from Russia and strengthen technology and security partnerships.

France has already boosted its welcoming of more international students and sees a 17% surge in Indian student enrolments. France eyes 30,000 Indian students by 2030.