French President Emmanuel Macron is set to embark on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday. This trip marks Macron’s first visit to India since January 2024, when he was the chief guest at the annual Republic Day celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had last visited France in February of the previous year.

Focus on Bilateral Cooperation and Global Issues

During the upcoming visit, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi will engage in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, as outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. In addition, they are expected to address regional and global issues of mutual concern, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the MEA statement.

Joint Inauguration of India-France Year of Innovation

Both leaders will also gather in Mumbai to jointly inaugurate the India–France Year of Innovation, which will be observed throughout 2026 in both nations. This initiative aims to bolster collaborative efforts in innovation and research between India and France.

Participation in AI Impact Summit

On February 19, President Macron is scheduled to take part in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where discussions will likely focus on the implications and advancements in artificial intelligence technologies.

Defence Acquisition Council Meeting Prior to Visit

In preparation for Macron’s visit, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, plans to convene to assess several significant defence procurement proposals. Notably, a key agenda item will be the potential approval for the purchase of 114 French-made Rafale fighter jets. The projected cost for this acquisition stands at approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore.

Local Production Strategy for Rafale Jets

It has been indicated that around 80% of the 114 Rafale jets intended for acquisition are planned to be manufactured within India. This move aligns with the country’s push for increased self-reliance in defence production.

Significance of the Upcoming Visit

Macron’s impending visit reinforces the robust ties between India and France, reflecting a commitment to deepen collaborative relations in various fields, including defence, technology, and innovation. The upcoming discussions are anticipated to yield important outcomes that could further strengthen this bilateral partnership.

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