Macron Arrives in Mumbai For Rafale Deal Talks and AI Impact Summit

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India’s financial capital for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening defence, technology, and economic cooperation with New Delhi. During the trip, Macron is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in a major artificial intelligence summit. The visit comes at a time when France is seeking to deepen its strategic partnership with India across multiple sectors.

Macron landed in Mumbai late Monday night along with his wife, Brigitte Macron, marking his fourth visit to India since taking office in 2017. Prime Minister Modi is expected to travel to Mumbai for the bilateral engagement, which is being held at the invitation of the Indian government as part of the AI Impact Summit. The summit is scheduled for February 18 and 19 and will bring together policymakers, innovators, and business leaders.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders will hold formal talks at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon. The discussions will include a comprehensive review of progress under the India–France Strategic Partnership and explore ways to expand cooperation into emerging sectors, particularly artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. Both sides are also expected to exchange views on key regional and global developments.

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Defence cooperation is likely to dominate the agenda, especially after India confirmed last week that it intends to move forward with a major purchase of Rafale fighter jets. Sources indicate that New Delhi has approved a proposal worth approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore to procure 114 additional aircraft for the Indian Air Force. If finalised, the deal would mark India’s largest-ever defence acquisition.

The proposed order would add to the 36 Rafale jets India bought in 2016 and the 26 naval variants already ordered. Negotiations with manufacturer Dassault Aviation are still ongoing, though the French presidency has expressed optimism that a “historic” agreement can be reached. India has increasingly diversified its defence sourcing in recent years as part of efforts to reduce reliance on Russia while boosting domestic manufacturing.

Beyond defence, the two leaders will jointly inaugurate the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 and interact with business leaders, startups, researchers, and innovators. They are also set to virtually launch India’s first helicopter final assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka — a joint venture between the Tata Group and Airbus — which will manufacture the Airbus H125 single-engine helicopter.

Macron’s visit comes amid expanding economic ties between the two countries. Bilateral trade currently stands at roughly $18 billion annually, with defence and aerospace forming the backbone of cooperation. Officials from both sides say the talks will focus on further diversifying the partnership, including collaboration in emerging technologies, while also addressing broader global economic uncertainties and regional strategic challenges.

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