Macron Meets Modi in Mumbai to Push Defence, Trade Deals
Macron Meets Modi in Mumbai to Push Defence, Trade Deals
France and India push a deeper defence and tech partnership as Macron visits Mumbai for bilateral talks, Rafale jet deals, and the India-France Year of Innovation.
President Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19, participating in the AI Impact Summit in Delhi and hosting a bilateral summit in Mumbai as part of a broader India-France partnership.
In Mumbai, discussions are expected to deepen the defence relationship, including a potential contract for 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, following India's plan to place a major order for Rafale jets and bolster strategic military ties.
The visit comes after India and the European Union signed a landmark free trade agreement in January, described by both sides as the 'mother of all deals,' underscoring a broader push to accelerate economic and strategic collaboration.
Macron and his wife Brigitte also paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, then attended the India-France Innovation Forum at a hotel and a cultural commemoration at the Gateway of India as part of the year-long celebration.
After Mumbai, Macron will travel to New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit on February 19, while Modi’s recent engagements with France and joint AI initiatives highlight the growing focus on innovation and technology as a pillar of the partnership.
Officials say the visit signals mutual trust and a deepening strategic partnership, with both sides pursuing greater defence, trade, and technology cooperation.
