French President Emmanuel Macron will visit India’s Artificial Intelligence Impact 2026 summit in New Delhi on Wednesday, February 18, the third day of his trip to the subcontinent.
This is currently Macron’s fourth visit to India.
The best of Macron’s journey so far
Macron landed in Mumbai late on Monday and held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday on cooperation in industry, defence, clean energy, space and new technologies.
After the talks, India and France also announced a joint statement of intent to cooperate in the field of critical minerals, with Indian Ambassador to France Sanjeev Kumar Singla saying, “In terms of critical and emerging technology, we have decided to form a joint group for the development of advanced technologies as well as a joint statement of intent to cooperate in the field of critical minerals.”
“There is also a letter of intent to establish a center for advanced materials between our science and technology department and a French institution called CNRS, which is one of the world’s largest scientific institutions, particularly focused on basic research. We have also signed an amendment to the double taxation agreement between the two countries,” he added.
The French President and Prime Minister Modi jointly launched the Sino-French Year of Innovation 2026 at the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
“Today, two innovation hubs are coming together,” Modi said during the inauguration. “I and President Macron have decided to celebrate 2026 as the Indo-French Year of Innovation. This is also our commitment to innovate, to lead,” Modi added.
“Innovation is the driving force of our economic growth. It will help solve big challenges from climate problems to inequality,” the French president said during the inauguration.
France and India have been working hand in hand to advance science for years, he said, adding: “We have strengthened our technological sovereignty while supporting our national industries. Our partnership is strong and relies on countless joint projects.”
Emmanuel Macron’s itinerary for Wednesday, February 18, 2026
At the AI Impact Summit, the French President will attend the opening ceremony of the Research Symposium at the Bharat Mandapam around 9:00 am.
Subsequently, Macron is scheduled to visit the Rural Pavilions in Hall 14 at the Bharat Mandapam.
Around noon, Macron will attend a plenary meeting of leaders and a working lunch in the Summit Room at the Bharat Mandapam, concluding his trip to India.
It is expected to depart from New Delhi around 4:00 PM on Wednesday.
As the day unfolds, follow LIVE updates right here with Mint.