New Delhi : PM 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.
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. The French president was received at Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s official itinerary during his India visit (February 16–19, 2026), along with Brigitte Macron, for the AI Impact Summit and bilateral engagements.
Day 1 — Monday, Feb 16 | Mumbai
23:50 hrs — Arrival in Mumbai
Venue: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Photo op: Official only
Day 2 — Tuesday, Feb 17 | Mumbai
15:15 hrs — Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Venue: Lok Bhawan
16:30 hrs — Exchange of MoUs & press statement
Venue: Raj Bhavan Mumbai
17:20 hrs — India–France Innovation Forum
Venue: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
19:15 hrs — India–France Year of Innovation & Cultural Commemoration
Venue: Gateway of India
Day 3 — Wednesday, Feb 18 | New Delhi
14:00 hrs — Arrival in New Delhi
Venue: Air Force Station Palam
TBC — Arrival at Bharat Mandapam
Day 4 — Thursday, Feb 19 | AI Impact Summit, New Delhi
08:45 hrs — Arrival at Bharat Mandapam
09:15 hrs — Family photo
09:40 hrs — Opening ceremony
Venue: Plenary Hall, Bharat Mandapam
10:40 hrs — Visit to country pavilions
Venue: Hall 14, Bharat Mandapam
11:30 hrs — Family photo with heads of state/government & ministers
12:00 hrs — Leaders’ plenary & working lunch
Venue: Summit Room, Bharat Mandapam
15:45 hrs — Departure for Paris Venue: Air Force Station Palam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai today during the latter’s three-day official visit to India for the AI Impact Summit. The meeting will focus on reviewing the progress of the India–France Strategic Partnership and exchanging views on key regional and global issues, including Indo-Pacific cooperation and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and innovation.
Defence cooperation will form a major pillar of today’s engagements, with the Indian Defence Minister scheduled to meet the French Defence Minister. Discussions are expected to centre on the HAMMER air-to-ground precision-guided missiles for the Indian Air Force, which are integrated with India’s Rafale fleet. Signing of MOUs followed by a joint statement will is expected to include India, France, strategic and defence program, including the Rafale jets for which the DAC has given the approval.
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