New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday, underscoring a deepening strategic partnership between India and France across defense, technology, and global governance.
The talks took place at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan and covered a wide range of bilateral and global issues. President Macron’s visit—his fourth to India—comes days after New Delhi cleared a long-pending proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework.
Addressing a joint press conference after the talks, Prime Minister Modi described President Macron as a “dear friend” and recalled their visit to Marseille during last year’s AI summit in France. Modi highlighted the historic ties between the two countries, noting Marseille’s significance as the port where Indian soldiers landed during World War I and where freedom fighter Veer Savarkar made his dramatic escape attempt from British custody.
“This partnership is not just strategic,” Modi said. “In an era of unpredictable global dynamics, the India–France relationship will contribute to global stability and progress.” He announced that the bilateral relationship is being elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
Defense, Aerospace, and Industrial Cooperation
Modi emphasized growing cooperation in defense and aerospace, citing the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter final assembly line at Tata Airbus’s facility in Vemagal, Karnataka. The project, he said, reflects expanding industrial collaboration and export potential.
“We are proud that India and France will jointly build helicopters capable of operating from deep oceans to the highest mountains, including Mount Everest,” Modi said.
Macron’s Mumbai Visit and Symbolic Gestures
Earlier in the day, President Macron surprised Mumbai residents by going for a morning jog along the city’s streets, accompanied by security personnel. Prime Minister Modi later shared on X that Macron expressed admiration for Mumbai and enjoyed the experience.
In a symbolic gesture highlighting shared values, President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks shortly after their arrival, reinforcing the two countries’ common stance against terrorism and extremism.
The French delegation was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Global South
Following their Mumbai engagements, Modi and Macron are scheduled to travel to the capital to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20.
The summit—the first global AI conference hosted in the Global South—is structured around three pillars: People, Planet, and Progress, and is expected to shape international discussions on responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence.
With expanding cooperation in defense, technology, and global governance, both leaders signaled that India–France ties are entering a more ambitious and globally significant phase.