Meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai

Discussions to be held on important defence agreements and various key sectors!

France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Mumbai – French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai along with his spouse. On 17 February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him at Lok Bhavan and held discussions. Important agreements, including in the defence sector, are expected to be signed between India and France. This meeting is being considered significant from that perspective. India’s largest-ever military agreement so far is set to be concluded with France. Macron will be on a visit to India from 17 to 19 February. This is his fourth visit to India.

During this visit, discussions will be held with Macron on defence, maritime cooperation, Indo-Pacific strategy, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and global issues. He will also participate in the ‘AI Impact Summit’ in Delhi. India and France have had a strategic partnership since 1998. The two countries work together in sectors such as defence, technology, space, and energy. These subjects will be further advanced during this visit as well.

On the evening of 17 February in Mumbai, the ‘India-France Innovation Year 2026’ was inaugurated. On this occasion, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron addressed entrepreneurs, research experts, and individuals associated with innovation from both countries.

 

Important agreements to be signed between India and France

1. A major defence agreement worth approximately ₹3,25,000 crore is likely to be signed between India and France. Under this agreement, India will receive 114 Rafale fighter aircraft. This will significantly enhance the capability and technological level of the Air Force.

2. According to the proposed agreement, 24 aircraft of the ‘Super Rafale’ (‘FF-5’) variant from the French company Dassault Aviation will be delivered to India in 2030. These aircraft have the capability to carry nuclear bombs. The remaining aircraft will be of the ‘FF-4’ variant and will be delivered during 2028–2029. (At present, India possesses fighter aircraft of the ‘FF-3’ variant.)

“We are giving greater depth and energy to the strategic partnership with France!” – Prime Minister Modi

France is one of India’s oldest strategic partners. Together with President Macron, we have given unprecedented depth and energy to this strategic partnership. We are striving to support each other in critical minerals, biotechnology, and the manufacturing of advanced materials, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a press conference.

Modi further stated that the year 2026 marks an important milestone in India-Europe relations. Relations between India and France have grown stronger. Major agreements are being signed between the two countries. France and India will jointly develop a helicopter capable of reaching Mount Everest. The partnership with France extends from the deep sea to the highest mountains. It has no boundaries.

President Macron described the bilateral relations between the two countries as “unique” and “remarkable.”