Macron Arrives in Mumbai: AI, Defence Cooperation Top India Visit Agenda

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Monday night along with First Lady Brigitte Macron for a three-day official visit to India from February 17 to 19. The visit is expected to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and France, with major discussions planned around artificial intelligence, defence cooperation and advanced technologies.

Macron was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This marks Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first official visit to Mumbai. The trip also includes participation in the India AI Impact Summit and high-level bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are expected to dominate discussions between the two leaders. Both countries are exploring deeper collaboration in AI research, digital innovation and responsible technology development. Macron is travelling with a delegation of business leaders and representatives from economic, industrial, cultural and digital sectors to boost cooperation.

Defence cooperation remains a central pillar of the India–France partnership. Talks are expected to include joint manufacturing of helicopters and HAMMER precision-guided missiles, along with expanding defence industrial collaboration under the Make in India initiative. Discussions may also cover technology transfer, co-production and long-term defence support.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet Macron in Mumbai, where they will review progress under the India–France Strategic Partnership and outline future areas of cooperation. The leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues, including Indo-Pacific security and geopolitical developments.

A key highlight of the visit will be the launch of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, aimed at strengthening collaboration between startups, researchers, academic institutions and industry leaders from both countries. The leaders will also attend the India-France Innovation Forum and a cultural commemoration event at the Gateway of India.

Memorandums of Understanding are expected to be exchanged following the bilateral meeting, reinforcing cooperation in technology, defence, innovation and economic partnerships.

Macron will travel to New Delhi on February 18 to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The summit is being described as a major global gathering focused on shaping the future of artificial intelligence, especially from the perspective of the Global South.

India and France share a strong partnership spanning defence, space cooperation, civil nuclear energy, climate action and education. Over the years, the relationship has grown steadily, with both nations working closely on strategic and technological collaboration.

Macron’s visit is expected to add new momentum to bilateral ties and reinforce cooperation in critical sectors shaping the future global order.