Eyes on PM Modi-Macron Mumbai bilateral, key defence deals in focus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to India with a message on X, signalling fresh momentum in bilateral ties as Macron began a three-day official visit focused on artificial intelligence, defence cooperation and strategic partnership.

“Welcome to India! India is delighted to welcome your visit and intends to give new momentum to our strategic partnership See you very soon in Mumbai, then in Delhi, my dear friend,” Modi wrote.

Earlier, Macron shared a post from his flight, saying he was travelling with business, economic, industrial, cultural and digital leaders to deepen India-France cooperation. “En route to India Together, we will go even further in our cooperation. See you tomorrow, my dear friend @NarendraModi,” he said.

Macron arrived in Mumbai on Monday night with First Lady Brigitte Macron for a visit scheduled from February 17 to 19. Artificial intelligence and broader strategic cooperation are expected to dominate discussions with Modi, along with a renewed push for defence collaboration, including joint manufacturing of helicopters and HAMMER precision-guided missiles.

The French president was received at Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This marks Macron’s fourth visit to India and includes participation in the AI Impact Summit and a bilateral summit in Mumbai.

- Ends