French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron landed in Mumbai on Monday night for a four-day visit to India, which will continue until February 19. The trip is expected to give fresh momentum to ties between the two nations. Macron is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday and exchange Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) before giving out their press statement at the Lok Bhavan.
India-France ties set for a fresh push
Prime Minister Modi and President Macron are set to review the progress of the India-France strategic partnership and explore new areas of cooperation. Their meeting, scheduled at Lok Bhavan in South Mumbai, will focus on strengthening defence and economic ties while also expanding collaboration in technology, innovation and emerging sectors.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss major regional and global developments. Nearly a dozen agreements and memorandums of understanding may be signed after the talks. These are likely to cover defence, trade, skill development, healthcare and supply chains, reflecting a broader and deeper partnership.
Mumbai to mark India-France year of Innovation
A key highlight of the visit will be the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. The initiative will be formally inaugurated at the Gateway of India, symbolising a renewed focus on technology, creativity and cultural exchange.
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According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the year-long programme will feature events in both countries, celebrating innovation and shared cultural links.
India-France defence ties gain momentum after Rafale approval
Defence cooperation is expected to take centre stage during the visit. India recently cleared a proposal to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework, further strengthening military ties.
The two sides will also hold their 6th Annual Defence Dialogue, most likely in Bengaluru, where they are likely to extend their defence cooperation agreement for another decade. Discussions are expected to focus on closer coordination in air and maritime operations, in line with the Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed upon in 2024.
Global issues on agenda
Beyond bilateral matters, the leaders are expected to exchange views on key international issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in Gaza and developments in the Indo-Pacific.
With growing uncertainty around the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, India sees France as a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific, especially given its presence in the Indian Ocean. The changing global landscape has made their partnership even more significant.
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President Macron was received at the Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were also present. Fadnavis later shared a message on X, welcoming the French President and the First Lady and wishing them a successful visit.
Before leaving for India, President Macron also posted on X that he was travelling from Mumbai to New Delhi with business leaders and representatives from economic, industrial, cultural and digital sectors, with the aim of taking the strategic partnership to the next level. |
