New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in India next week for a three-day official visit, reflecting the strengthening relationship between the two nations. Accepting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation, Mr Macron’s visit is scheduled from 17 February to 19 February 2026.
The trip takes place as both countries continue to advance their strategic partnership, which received a major boost with the Horizon 2047 Roadmap adopted during the 25th anniversary celebrations in 2023. This roadmap outlines the framework for bilateral relations extending to 2047, marking the centenary of India’s independence and its diplomatic relationship with France.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs: “Both leaders will hold discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas as enshrined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.” The talks will also cover “regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.”
A key moment during the visit will see Mr Macron and Mr Modi travel to Mumbai, where they will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation on 17 February. This year-long initiative will celebrate collaborative achievements in technology and research throughout 2026. On 19 February, the French president will take part in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, continuing earlier joint efforts in artificial intelligence.
This visit comes after Prime Minister Modi’s February 2025 trip to France and underscores the mutual trust characterizing the India-France Strategic Partnership, along with both nations’ commitment to further deepen these ties.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently visited France for discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, characterizing the relationship as “driven by the comfort and depth of our Strategic Partnership.”
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Mr Macron has extended an invitation to Mr Modi and the German Chancellor to participate in the Africa-France summit, set for 11-12 May 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. The India-France partnership has evolved into one of New Delhi’s most significant strategic alliances, especially in defence, where France serves as a crucial supplier. This includes the supply of 36 Rafale fighter jets to the Indian Air Force and continuing collaboration on Scorpene submarines under the P-75 project.
France stands among India’s leading defence partners, advancing self-reliance objectives through technology transfer and joint development initiatives. The partnership extends across civil nuclear energy, space exploration, and increasingly the Indo-Pacific region, where shared interests include maritime security, upholding a rules-based order, and addressing regional challenges. Both countries are also collaborating in emerging sectors including clean energy, innovation, and artificial intelligence.