French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in Mumbai today, February 16, on a four-day official visit to India. Macron will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on Tuesday before traveling to Delhi to attend India’s AI Impact Summit 2026.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders will exchange a memorandum of understanding followed by a press statement in Mumbai. The Indo-French Innovation Forum will be held at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, followed by the Indo-French Year of Innovation and Cultural Remembrance at the Gateway of India.
Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Madame Brigitte Macron will visit Mumbai and Delhi during their visit to India from February 16 to 19, the ministry said.
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“During the visit, the two leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas, as enshrined in the Horizon 2047 roadmap. In addition, the leaders will discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders will also be in Mumbai to jointly launch the inaugural India-France Year, which will be celebrated by 26 Innovations in both countries. In February, President Macron will attend a summit on impact of artificial intelligence in Delhi,” the ministry said.
Why does this visit matter?
Macron is among the heads of state, politicians and AI leaders around the world who will attend the AI Impact Summit, which starts in Delhi on Monday. 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.
The Year of Innovation 2026 initiative will be celebrated throughout the year in both countries and aims to deepen cooperation in innovation, technology, research and people-to-people exchanges.
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This will be French President Macron’s fourth visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, signaling the continued momentum of the India-France strategic partnership with a special focus on cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
Here is French President Emmanuel Macron’s complete itinerary in India:
11.50 pm: Arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
3:15 PM: Meeting PM Modi at Lok Bhawan, Mumbai
4:30 PM: Exchange of MoUs followed by a press statement at Darbar Hall, Raj Bhawan, Mumbai
17:20: India and France Innovation Forum at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
19:15: India-France Year of Innovation and Commemoration of Culture at Gateway of India at Gateway of India
2:00 PM: Arrival in New Delhi
Heading to the Bharat Mandapam for India’s AI Summit 2026
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09:40 AM: Opening Ceremony, Plenary Hall, Bharat Mandapam
10:40 am: Visit to Rural Pavilions, Hall 14, Bharat Mandapam
12:00 PM: Leaders Plenary and Working Lunch at Summit Room, Bharat Mandapam
During the visit, the two leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas, as enshrined in the Horizon 2047 plan.
3.45pm: Emplane to Paris
Key things
- The visit underlines the importance of the strategic partnership between India and France, especially in the field of technology and defence.
- The Year of Innovation 2026 initiative aims to promote cooperation in various sectors, including artificial intelligence, research and cultural exchanges.
- Macron’s participation at the AI Impact Summit highlights the global focus on artificial intelligence and its implications for international relations.