French President Macron India visit 2026 agenda: AI, Defense, and the Innovation Agenda

Key Takeaways

• French President Macron India visit 2026 agenda The “Year of Innovation”: President Macron and PM Modi will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, a year-long initiative focused on AI, deeptech, and space collaboration.
• AI Leadership: A highlight of the visit is Macron’s participation in the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, following up on the Paris AI Action Summit he co-chaired last year.
• Strategic Roadmap: The visit aims to accelerate the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, with critical discussions on defense procurement (Rafale Marine jets, Scorpene submarines) and Indo-Pacific security.

French President Emmanuel Macron has touched down in India for a pivotal three-day state visit from February 17 to 19, 2026. This marks his fourth visit to the country, underscoring the “exceptional” nature of the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Paris.

Coming just weeks after India’s Republic Day, this visit is not merely ceremonial. It is a working tour designed to operationalize the ambitious Horizon 2047 Roadmap and position both nations as leaders in the global artificial intelligence landscape.

Here is a deep dive into the agenda, the key stops, and what this means for India-France relations.

The Itinerary: From Mumbai to New Delhi

President Macron’s schedule is split between two of India’s power centers—its financial capital and its political seat.

Day 1: Mumbai (The Innovation Launchpad)

The visit kicks off in Mumbai on February 17, with a focus on business and youth.

• Bilateral Talks: PM Modi and President Macron will hold restricted and delegation-level talks at Lok Bhawan. Expect announcements on defense and trade.
• The Innovation Forum: The leaders will address the India-France Innovation Forum at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, engaging with startups and tech leaders.
• Cultural Commemoration: The day concludes with a grand event at the Gateway of India to officially launch the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.

Day 2 & 3: New Delhi (The Strategic Summit)

The focus shifts to global governance and diplomacy.

• The AI Impact Summit: On February 19, President Macron will be a keynote speaker at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. His presence signals a “passing of the torch” from the Paris AI summit to New Delhi, reinforcing a shared vision for “sovereign and safe AI.”
• State Banquet: President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in honor of the French President.

The Agenda: What is Being Discussed?

1. The Horizon 2047 Roadmap

Adopted in July 2023, this roadmap is the guiding star for bilateral ties until the centenary of India’s independence.

• Defense: High on the list is the finalization of the Rafale Marine fighter jets deal for the Indian Navy and the construction of three additional Scorpene-class submarines at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.
• Space: ISRO and CNES (French Space Agency) are deepening ties on satellite launches and human spaceflight missions (Gaganyaan).
• Civil Nuclear Energy: Discussions continue on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, a long-pending deal to build six EPR reactors in Maharashtra.

2. The “Year of Innovation”

2026 has been designated as the year to merge French engineering with Indian digital prowess.

• Focus Areas: The initiative targets cooperation in digital public infrastructure (DPI), green hydrogen, and cyber-security.
• Goal: To create a “tech bridge” that allows Indian startups to access the European market via France, and vice-versa.

3. Indo-Pacific Security

With global geopolitical instability, France—a resident power in the Indian Ocean with territories like Réunion Island—is India’s most reliable partner in the region. The leaders will discuss joint surveillance missions and securing maritime trade routes against piracy and non-state actors.

Why This Visit Matters

France has emerged as India’s “all-weather friend” in the West. Unlike other partners who often lecture on internal policy, Paris respects India’s “strategic autonomy.”

• Global South Leadership: By attending the AI Summit in Delhi, Macron is validating India’s claim to be the voice of the Global South in setting technology standards.
• Diversification: As India seeks to diversify its defense inventory away from Russian hardware, France is stepping up as the primary alternative provider of high-tech weaponry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ‘Horizon 2047’ Roadmap?

It is a strategic blueprint signed by India and France in 2023. It outlines a 25-year plan to deepen cooperation in defense, space, and clean energy, culminating in 2047—the 100th anniversary of India’s independence.

French President Macron India visit 2026 agenda: Why is Macron attending the AI Summit in Delhi?

France and India co-chair the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI). Macron hosted the previous major AI summit in Paris, and his attendance in Delhi is to ensure continuity in global AI governance efforts.

Is the Rafale Marine deal signed?

While the deal for 26 Rafale Marine jets was approved by India’s Defense Acquisition Council, the final contract signing and price negotiations are key agenda items for this visit.

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