“Modi–Macron Mega Talks in Mumbai!” Rafale Deal, AI Push & 12 Big Agreements on Table

Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Mumbai early Tuesday morning, beginning his three-day official visit to India. His visit is being seen as a major diplomatic moment as he prepares for high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen the India–France strategic partnership.

President Macron was welcomed at Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were also present along with First Lady Brigitte Macron.

High-Stakes Talks at Lok Bhavan
The key bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron is scheduled around 3:15 pm at Lok Bhavan in South Mumbai. Officials say defence cooperation will be a major focus, including discussions around a possible new Rafale fighter jet deal. Trade expansion and strategic collaboration are also high on the agenda.

Sources indicate that nearly a dozen new agreements and memoranda of understanding could be signed after the talks. These agreements are expected to cover defence, trade, healthcare, vocational training and strengthening global supply chains.

AI and Emerging Technology in Focus
A strong emphasis is being placed on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies. According to diplomatic sources, this visit marks a “significant milestone” in bilateral ties, building on cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, climate action and education.

Later in the evening, both leaders will jointly inaugurate the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 at the Gateway of India. They are also expected to address business leaders, startup founders, researchers and innovators from both countries, underlining the importance of technology-driven growth and people-to-people partnerships.

Horizon 2047 Roadmap & Indo-Pacific Strategy
The discussions will also move forward under the ambitious Horizon 2047 Roadmap, which aims to define long-term cooperation as India approaches 100 years of independence. Strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific region is expected to be a key theme, reflecting growing alignment between New Delhi and Paris on regional security and global stability.

Next Stop: New Delhi & Global AI Summit
After completing engagements in Mumbai, President Macron will travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The event is being described as the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South, highlighting India’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence policy and innovation.