French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai, Maharashtra after midnight on January 17 for a scheduled visit to India.
Both were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport.
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According to the French Embassy, as quoted by news agency ANI, this engagement represents another significant chapter in the expanding ties between Delhi and Paris. The visit comes against the backdrop of an ever-deepening partnership in defense, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action and education.
This trajectory began with Macron’s first visit in 2018, followed by his participation in the G20 summit in 2023 and a state visit in 2024 as the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day.
The two leaders then declared 2026 as India and France’s Year of Innovation, a forward-looking initiative they will jointly launch in Mumbai today.
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As part of the current itinerary, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will hold wide-ranging discussions on February 17 in Mumbai to further enhance bilateral cooperation under Horizon 2047.
The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues, including Indo-Pacific cooperation, reflecting growing strategic convergence.
Why does this visit matter?
The visit marks Macron’s fourth trip to India at the invitation of the prime minister Narendra Modisignaling the continued momentum of the Indo-French strategic partnership with a particular focus on cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology.
Macron is among the heads of state, policymakers and AI leaders from around the world who will attend AI Impact summitwhich begins on Monday in Delhi. The French leader’s visit comes as India seeks to diversify and deepen strategic ties beyond long-term suppliers of military equipment.
Last week, India approved a $40 billion arms purchase, including 114 French fighter jets and missiles, Bloomberg News reported.
This visit follows Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in February 2025 and reflects the mutual trust and depth of the India-France strategic partnership, as well as the joint commitment of both countries to further deepen it.
PM Modi was the guest of honour Bastille Day parade in July 2023, before the French President attended the 2024 Republic Day parade as the chief guest.
The The year of innovation 2026 The initiative will be celebrated throughout the year in both countries and aims to deepen cooperation in innovation, technology, research and people-to-people exchanges.
Macron’s complete itinerary in Mumbai today
-Meeting PM Modi at Lok Bhawan in Mumbai.
-Exchange of MoUs followed by press statement at Darbar Hall, Raj Bhawan, Mumbai.
-India-France Innovation Forum at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
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-India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration at Gateway of India.
India AI Impact Summit in Delhi
After their engagement in Mumbai, the delegation will travel to Delhi for the India Impact of Artificial Intelligence Summit 2026, which began at the Bharat Mandapam on February 16.
The India AI Impact Summit is a five-day program anchored in three fundamental pillars or “sutras”: People, Planet and Progress.
The visit marks Macron’s fourth trip to India and signals the continued momentum of the India-France strategic partnership.
The French President’s participation underlines the importance both nations attach to emerging technologies and builds on PM Modi co-chairing the AI Action Summit with Macron in Paris in February 2025.