TheInterviewTimes.com | February 15, 2026 | 01:00 PM, New Delhi
French President Emmanuel Macron begins a three-day India visit with PM Narendra Modi, launching Year of Innovation and attending AI Impact Summit 2026.
French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in India on February 16 for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking another milestone in the expanding India–France strategic partnership.
The visit will combine bilateral talks, the launch of a joint innovation initiative, and participation in a major global artificial intelligence summit hosted in New Delhi.
Mumbai to Host Bilateral Talks and Innovation Launch
President Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, will begin his engagements in Mumbai. Formal talks between the two leaders are scheduled for February 17.
The discussions are expected to review cooperation under the Horizon 2047 roadmap, covering defense production, civil nuclear energy, climate action, digital public infrastructure, and Indo-Pacific coordination. Officials indicate that several agreements and memorandums of understanding may be signed.
A central event during the Mumbai leg will be the inauguration of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 at the Gateway of India. An innovation forum will follow at the historic Taj Mahal Palace.
The initiative aims to expand joint research and industrial collaboration in artificial intelligence, deep technology, green hydrogen, precision agriculture, and healthcare innovation. More than 110 French companies are part of a business delegation coordinated by Business France, with engagements planned in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi.
Defense cooperation is also expected to feature prominently. France has supplied Dassault Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarine submarines to India. Leaders may also virtually mark progress on an Airbus helicopter assembly facility in Bengaluru.
AI Impact Summit to Draw Global Leaders
Following engagements in Mumbai, the two leaders will travel to New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The summit runs from February 16 to 20 and will be jointly inaugurated on February 19.
The event is expected to bring together heads of state and government from more than 20 countries. Among those scheduled to attend are Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece, Pedro Sanchez of Spain, and Peter Pellegrini. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres is also expected to participate.
Technology leaders including Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Jensen Huang, and Dario Amodei will join discussions on artificial intelligence governance and industry applications.
The summit will focus on AI regulation, ethical deployment, digital inclusion, and sector-specific uses in healthcare, agriculture, and public services. Officials say the event reflects the growing importance of emerging economies in shaping global technology standards.
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Strategic Partnership With Expanding Scope
This is President Macron’s fourth visit to India since 2018 and follows Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in 2025. Regular high-level exchanges have strengthened cooperation across defense, space, nuclear energy, climate initiatives, and education.
More than 1,100 French companies operate in India, employing around 350,000 people and generating approximately $17 billion in turnover. Bilateral defense ties remain one of the pillars of the relationship, alongside expanding collaboration in advanced technologies.
With geopolitical challenges intensifying in the Indo-Pacific region, both sides have emphasized strategic autonomy and closer coordination on global governance issues. The outcomes of this visit are expected to shape the next phase of India–France cooperation in security, innovation, and sustainable development.
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