Culture, business, tech, defence on mind, France’s Macron begins his three-day India visit

French President Emmanuel Macron began his three-day visit to India on Tuesday (February 17, 2026), starting the day with a jog along Marine Drive in Mumbai.

He later paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. A cinema-themed lunch was organised for Mr. Macron and the French First Lady Brigitte Macron.

Mr Macron is scheduled to hold a roundtable meeting with Indian investors on Wednesday (February 18, 2026).

Advancing bilateral ties

“India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his welcome message. 

Mr. Modi will host a dinner in honour of French President in Mumbai on Tuesday (February 17, 2026).

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The two leaders are expected to sign several MOUs and virtually inaugurate the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line. They will also launch the Franco-Indian Year of Innovation and the digital platform of the Franco-Indian Innovation Network.

Mr Macron is accompanied by a delegation of business leaders, representing economic, industrial, cultural and digital sectors.

India-France defence dialogue

The visit coincides with the sixth annual defence dialogue between India and France, being held in Bengaluru from Tuesday, in the presence of the Defence Ministers of both countries. It follows Mr. Modi’s visit to France in February 2025.

During this visit, Mr. Modi and Mr. Macron will discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas under the Horizon 2047 roadmap, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The roadmap was unveiled following wide-ranging talks between the two leaders in Paris in July 2023, with the aim of deepening ties, including in trade and investment.