Macron lands in Mumbai for Modi talks; Rafale deal on the cards
Macron lands in Mumbai for Modi talks; Rafale deal on the cards
French President Macron lands in Mumbai for talks with Modi on AI cooperation and a potential Rafale deal, signaling a deeper India-France strategic partnership.
French President Emmanuel Macron touched down in Mumbai late on Monday night for a three-day visit to India, his fourth trip since taking office in 2017. He and his wife Brigitte were warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marking a high-profile start to the trip. The plan is to hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on Tuesday, with the focus on artificial intelligence cooperation and a potential multibillion-dollar deal for Dassault Rafale fighter jets. Macron will then travel to New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit, underscoring a broader push to deepen tech and defense ties between the two countries.
The talks come amid India’s consideration of a major Rafale order and as the defense collaboration between New Delhi and Paris gains momentum. The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, recently cleared a proposal worth ₹3.60 lakh crore to procure 114 new Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation, with a majority of the production expected to take place in India. Analysts described this potential package as a historic milestone for bilateral relations, with Christophe Jaffrelot of Sciences Po calling the deal a possible “contract of the century.” If finalized, these jets would add to the existing Rafales India already operates across its air force and navy.
The visit also follows India’s confirmation that it intends to place a major order for Rafale jets and comes in the wake of the January signing of a landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which both sides hailed as the “mother of all deals.” In Mumbai, Macron’s schedule includes meetings with Modi to cement strategic ties and explore new areas of collaboration, particularly in AI and technology. He will then proceed to New Delhi for the AI summit, where leaders from industry and government are expected to discuss how to harness AI for growth and security.
All of this signals a deepening momentum in Indo-French relations, with a clear emphasis on defense, trade, and technology cooperation. The reception in Mumbai and the upcoming AI talks in Delhi reflect how both nations are positioning their partnership at the intersection of strategic security and cutting-edge innovation.
