Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai to elevate India-France ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, focusing on defence, AI, innovation, trade, and technological cooperation. Key initiatives include Rafale jets, Hammer missiles, the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, and collaborative efforts on responsible AI and global stability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to Mumbai on February 17, 2026, marking the start of a three-day state visit aimed at deepening strategic, defence and technological cooperation between India and France.
The two leaders held extensive talks in India’s financial hub on Tuesday. Their focus was on strengthening cooperation across defence, innovation, trade, and emerging technologies. Macron’s visit comes at a time of global geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change.
This is Macron’s fourth official visit to India and his first state visit that begins in Mumbai. The meeting follows Modi’s bilateral trip to France in February 2025 and represents a significant step in the long history between the two democracies.
“Special Strategic Partnership” Elevated
Modi and Macron agreed to elevate India-France relations to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.” The term signifies an expanded and enduring alliance across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the opening session, President Macron said the relationship with India was “truly remarkable, unique and built on trust, openness and shared ambition.” He thanked India for the warm reception and reaffirmed France’s commitment to working with India on global challenges.
Prime Minister Modi echoed these sentiments. He said the two nations shared values of democracy and innovation. He stressed that the partnership was essential not just for India and France but for global stability and progress.
Defence Cooperation Expanded
India is in advanced stages of approving the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, a deal that would be India’s largest defence procurement to date. Financial Times reported that parts of this deal may be assembled in India to support domestic manufacturing goals.
The two countries also announced plans to jointly manufacture Hammer missiles in India, strengthening defence production capabilities. A MoU was signed on this front, underscoring deepening military industrial cooperation.
In a press briefing, Modi said the partnership knew “no boundaries,” stretching from deep oceans to the highest mountains with joint projects like specialised helicopters capable of operating at Mount Everest altitudes.
Innovation, AI and Economic Focus
Beyond defence, the visit highlights cooperation in cutting-edge technologies.
Modi and Macron formally inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai. This year-long programme aims to fuel collaborative work in science, AI, space, health, and supply chain innovation.
France arrived with a delegation that included business leaders and representatives from industrial, digital, and cultural sectors. Macron emphasised France’s readiness to strengthen industrial cooperation and “make in India” partnerships.
Both sides will also look to boost bilateral trade and economic engagement. France is one of India’s top trading partners in the European Union, with trade exceeding USD 15 billion in recent years.
AI Summit and Global Technology Conversations
Macron’s visit coincides with the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to be hosted in Delhi later this week. The summit builds on previous AI cooperation between India and France, including the AI Action Summit co-chaired by the two leaders in Paris in 2025.
Both leaders have championed responsible AI development. Their discussions will centre on safe, open, and secure AI that serves societal interests, and on strengthening an India-France roadmap for technological governance.
Cultural Diplomacy and Mutual Respect
Macron’s arrival was met with a formal welcoming ceremony in Mumbai. He began the day with a jog along Marine Drive, drawing admiration from locals and reinforcing his personal fondness for the city.
Later, Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid floral tributes at the Tree of Life memorial to honour victims of the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai. In doing so, he reaffirmed France’s support for India in the fight against terrorism.
Strategic Context and Shared Vision
India and France have a history of partnership rooted in defence, civil nuclear energy, space cooperation, and cultural exchange. Analysts note that France serves as a vital global partner for India, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, where both seek a stable, multipolar world order.
Modi and Macron’s talks signal not just bilateral progress but a shared commitment to addressing global challenges through cooperation, innovation, and strategic alignment.
Clear Cut Education Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Feb 20, 2026 05:00 IST
Written By: Ayushman Meena
