Emmanuel Macron Lands In Mumbai, AI And Defence Talks Top India Visit Agenda

New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron reached Mumbai with his wife, Brigitte Macron on Monday night. This is his three-day official visit to India (17 to 19 February 2026), in which there is going to be a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a big focus on AI and talks about new deals in defense. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and CM Devendra Fadnavis welcomed him at Mumbai airport.

How special is this visit of Macron to India?

This is Macron's fourth visit to India, and his first to Mumbai. First he came in 2018, then as the chief guest of the 2023 G20 Summit and Republic Day in 2024. This time the focus is on further strengthening the strategic partnership – Macron himself wrote on X that this visit will give new heights to Indo-French relations.

En route to India!

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.… pic.twitter.com/k3Q9fSckWs

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 16, 2026

When and where will he meet PM Modi?

Both the leaders will meet at Lok Bhawan, Mumbai on Tuesday (February 17) afternoon. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X, "Towards a strong India-France strategic partnership! Warm welcome to the President of France." The two leaders will launch the India-France Innovation Year 2026 and review the progress of previous years.

What is the big plan on AI and innovation?

The joint inauguration of India-France Year of Innovation 2026 will take place in Mumbai. Startups, researchers, and industry leaders from both countries will connect. There will be MoU exchanges at Raj Bhawan, then India-France Innovation Forum at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and cultural events will be held at the Gateway of India. On Wednesday, Macron will travel to Delhi for the AI ​​Impact Summit 2026 (running from 16 to 20 February at the Bharat Mandapam) – the first major AI gathering in the Global South.

VIDEO | French President Emmanuel Macron arrives at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. He will be meeting PM Narendra Modi tomorrow during his three-day visit.

(Source: AFP/PTI)#EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/rb0ZyikqmZ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 16, 2026

Are new deals expected in defense?

Make in India deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets may happen. There will be talk on joint manufacturing of HAMMER precision-guided missiles and helicopters. Technology transfer and joint production are going to increase. There are already strong relations between the two countries in defence, space, civil nuclear, climate and education, now new chapters are opening in advanced technology and AI.

What regional and global issues will be discussed?

Indo-Pacific regional security and global issues will be discussed. Strategic convergence of both the countries is increasing – India and France are now close partners of each other.

On February 19, Macron will attend the summit's opening, leaders' plenary and working lunch, then leave for Paris in the evening. This visit will give new impetus to the relations between the two countries – a big boost in AI, defense and innovation.