‘Welcome to India, my dear friend’: PM Modi greets Macron as France President begins three-day visit

Macron India visit: Rafale deal and AI summit talks

February 17, 2026

Three-day visit to span Mumbai and New Delhi

Strategic talks, AI summit and Rafale deal expected to dominate agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday warmly welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron as he arrived in Mumbai for a three-day visit aimed at deepening the India–France strategic partnership.

“Welcome to India, my dear friend,” Modi wrote on X, expressing confidence that their discussions would further strengthen bilateral cooperation and contribute to global progress. He added that he looked forward to meeting Macron in Mumbai and later in New Delhi.

Macron, who posted a photograph from his flight to India, described the visit as an opportunity to take the strategic partnership “even further.” Accompanied by leading business figures and representatives from economic, industrial, cultural and digital sectors, the French President signalled a push to expand ties across multiple domains.

AI summit and technology cooperation

Talks between the two leaders are expected to focus significantly on artificial intelligence, particularly in the context of the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Macron is likely to participate in the high-profile event, underlining growing collaboration in digital innovation and emerging technologies.

Rafale fighter jet deal in focus

Defence cooperation is also expected to take centre stage. India is poised to move forward on a multibillion-dollar agreement involving Dassault Aviation for additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets.

Last week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the procurement of 114 Rafale jets, with a significant portion to be manufactured in India. The proposed deal, estimated at ₹3.60 lakh crore, would further cement defence ties between the two nations.

The recent momentum in India–European cooperation, including the free trade agreement signed between India and the European Union earlier this year, is also seen as providing a favourable backdrop to expanding strategic and economic engagement.

Macron’s visit marks his fourth trip to India since assuming office in 2017 and comes at a time when both countries are seeking to strengthen collaboration in defence, technology, trade and global governance.

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