French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai, to hold meeting with PM Modi, defense deal worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore to be signed
French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai late Monday night for a three-day visit to India.
They will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. At around 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday (February 17), Modi and Macron will hold bilateral engagements at the Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.
The meeting with PM Modi will focus on cementing the strategic partnership between the two countries and diversifying it into new and emerging areas.
Modi and Macron will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance and will review the progress made in the bilateral strategic partnership.
Defense deal worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore will be signed
During this period, a defense deal worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore will be signed between the two countries. This deal will be India's largest military purchase in terms of value. Under this, India will receive 114 Rafale fighter jets.
Defense, maritime cooperation, Indo-Pacific strategy, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and global issues will be discussed in today's meeting. This meeting will be held at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai at 3:15 pm.
India-France Innovation Year 2026
At 5:15 pm, both leaders will inaugurate the India-France Innovation Year 2026. They will also address industrialists, startup founders, research experts, and innovation professionals from both countries.
Prior to meeting with PM, Macron will engage in several private engagements and meetings in Mumbai. This will likely include a meeting with the film industry.
Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19. This visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Will participate in AI Impact Summit
Afterward, he will travel to Delhi to participate in the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which is being hosted by India.
This is President Macron's fourth visit to India and his first to Mumbai.
This visit follows last week's statement by the Indian government that India plans to place a large order for Rafale fighter jets.
A significant free trade agreement was also signed between India and the European Union last January.