French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai early Tuesday as part of his three-day official visit to India from February 17 to 19. During the visit, he will participate in the AI Impact Summit and hold high-level bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at strengthening the India-France strategic partnership.

President Macron was received at the Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were also present to welcome the French leader and his delegation.

🇮🇳🇫🇷
Bienvenue à Mumbai!

A very warm welcome to the President of France, H.E. Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron as they arrive in Mumbai!
Maharashtra welcomes you!

Wishing Hon President Macron and the entire French delegation a pleasant stay and a successful… pic.twitter.com/h0CrOc90OG

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 16, 2026

Welcoming the visiting dignitary, Chief Minister Fadnavis posted a message extending warm greetings to President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, wishing them a successful and pleasant stay in Maharashtra.

Before departing for India, President Macron shared a message expressing his enthusiasm for the visit. He noted that the trip, covering Mumbai and New Delhi, is intended to further advance the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also highlighted the presence of business leaders and representatives from the economic, industrial, cultural and digital sectors accompanying him, underlining the practical depth of India-France ties.

Prime Minister Modi and President Macron are expected to review progress made under the India-France strategic partnership and explore ways to expand cooperation into emerging sectors, particularly in innovation and technology. The two leaders will also discuss key regional and global issues of mutual interest.

On Tuesday afternoon, the leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks at Lok Bhavan in South Mumbai. They will later jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and address a gathering that includes business leaders, startups, researchers and innovators from both nations.

“Bienvenue à Mumbai! A very warm welcome to the President of France, H.E. Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron as they arrive in Mumbai! Maharashtra welcomes you! Wishing Hon President Macron and the entire French delegation a pleasant stay and a successful visit,” Fadnavis posted on X around 2 am, shortly after Macron landed in Mumbai.

Strengthening India-France Strategic Partnership

This visit holds significant importance in the context of the ongoing strategic partnership between India and France, particularly emphasizing collaboration in the field of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. The French Embassy has noted this visit as an important chapter in the evolving relationship between New Delhi and Paris. The partnership has been notably expanding in areas such as defense, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action, and education.

Historical Context of the Diplomatic Ties

The evolving relationship began with Macron’s initial visit in 2018, and has continued with his participation in the 2023 G20 Summit and his invitation as Chief Guest for India’s 75th Republic Day celebration in 2024. At this event, both leaders had declared the year 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, a project that they plan to officially launch in Mumbai during this visit.

Focus on Key Discussions and Bilateral Cooperation

On February 17, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron are scheduled to engage in extensive discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

This roadmap lays out a long-term vision for the partnership, which formally began on January 26, 1998, as India’s first-ever Strategic Partnership. In addition to focusing on mutual interests, the leaders are expected to address various regional and global matters, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, which highlights their mutual strategic objectives.

Participation in the India AI Impact Summit 2026

After their engagements in Mumbai, the delegation will proceed to Delhi to participate in the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Scheduled from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, this summit will be the first global event dedicated to Artificial Intelligence hosted in the Global South.

The presence of the French President at this summit underlines the commitment of both nations to advancements in technology. This follows Prime Minister Modi’s collaboration with Macron during the AI Action Summit in Paris, held in February 2025.

Summit Goals and Exhibitions

The India AI Impact Summit aims to foster global dialogue on the practical applications of AI in governance and sustainable development, moving discussions toward actionable outcomes. The five-day program is structured around three foundational principles, known as “Sutras”: People, Planet, and Progress. The event is designed to facilitate interactions among global leaders, policymakers, and innovators, aiming for meaningful discussions regarding AI’s influence on governance.

Showcasing AI Innovations at the Expo

In conjunction with the summit, an India AI Impact Expo will be held, encompassing over 70,000 square meters of space and featuring more than 300 exhibitors from 30 different countries. The expo will be divided into ten thematic pavilions, showcasing the transition of AI technologies from research phases to large-scale implementations. This initiative aligns closely with the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India Initiative, which emphasizes the importance of translating technological discussions into community-focused, practical solutions.

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