Macron to arrive in Mumbai on a 3-day India visit

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to arrive in Mumbai today on a three-day official visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , with defence cooperation, advanced technology and innovation set to dominate the agenda.

Modi and Macron will meet in Mumbai, where they are scheduled to jointly launch the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 , aimed at boosting collaboration in industry, start-ups, research and emerging technologies. Following their Mumbai engagements, the two leaders will travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam , highlighting the shared focus on artificial intelligence and future technologies.

A major outcome expected from the visit is the signing of a multi-billion-euro agreement for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, a deal estimated at €35–40 billion . If finalised, it would become India’s largest-ever defence procurement , with significant manufacturing and technology transfer planned under the “Make in India” initiative.

Other key items on the agenda include defence industrial cooperation, space collaboration, clean energy partnerships, trade and investment , as well as discussions on regional and global strategic issues, reflecting the deepening India–France strategic partnership .