Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17, 2026, for high-level bilateral talks. The meeting spotlighted defence cooperation, innovation, and global issues amid strengthening India-France ties. Talks focused on a major deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets, approved last week at around ₹3.25 lakh crore ($28-35 billion). This government-to-government procurement emphasizes Make in India, with local manufacturing of fuselages by Tata Advanced Systems in Hyderabad. Discussions also covered joint production of helicopters, missiles like HAMMER, and renewal of the defence cooperation agreement for 10 more years. The 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru complemented these efforts, pushing co-production in air and maritime assets.
The leaders inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, promoting collaboration in AI, technology, and startups. Macron will attend the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi later. Nearly a dozen MoUs are expected on trade, skilling, health, and supply chains, aligning with the Horizon 2047 Roadmap for long-term partnership. Regional topics like Indo-Pacific security, Ukraine, and Gaza were reviewed.
This visit, Macron’s first to Mumbai and fourth to India, boosts India’s military modernization post Rafale’s success in operations. It underscores France as a key partner in Viksit Bharat by 2047. Business deals and tech exchanges signal deeper economic integration.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
Q1: What is the main defence deal discussed?
A Rs.3.25 lakh crore deal for 114 Rafale jets (F4/F5 standards) via government-to-government route, focusing on local manufacturing under Make in India.
Q2: When and where did the bilateral meeting happen?
On February 17, 2026, at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, with PM Modi and President Macron reviewing strategic ties and global issues.
Q3: What is the India-France Year of Innovation 2026?
A year-long initiative inaugurated by both leaders, fostering collaboration in AI, tech, startups, and research across both nations.
Q4: How many agreements are expected from the visit?
Nearly a dozen MoUs on defence, trade, skilling, health, and supply chains, expanding the Horizon 2047 bilateral roadmap.