French President Emmanuel Macron to Embark on Official India Visit from February 17
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officially announced on Tuesday that French President Emmanuel Macron will undertake a significant official visit to India from February 17 to 19. This marks President Macron's first trip to the nation since his attendance as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in January 2024.
Strengthening Strategic Ties and Horizon 2047 Roadmap
During the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron are scheduled to hold comprehensive discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across a diverse spectrum of areas. These talks will be guided by the principles enshrined in the ambitious Horizon 2047 Roadmap, a long-term strategic framework for India-France relations.
The leaders will also deliberate on pressing regional and global issues of mutual interest, with a particular focus on enhancing cooperation in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region, as confirmed by the MEA in its official statement.
Key Events: Innovation Year and AI Summit
A highlight of the itinerary includes a joint visit to Mumbai, where Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will inaugurate the India–France Year of Innovation. This collaborative initiative is set to be celebrated throughout 2026 in both countries, fostering technological and creative exchanges.
Furthermore, on February 19, President Macron will participate in the high-profile AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to advancements in artificial intelligence and digital governance.
Defense Procurement and the Rafale Deal
Ahead of President Macron's arrival, significant defense developments are anticipated. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is scheduled to convene to evaluate several major defense procurement proposals.
The most prominent item on the agenda is the expected proposal to grant Acceptance of Necessary (AoN) for 114 French-made Rafale fighter jets. This monumental deal, estimated at a staggering cost of approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore, represents a cornerstone of the strategic defense partnership.
In a major boost for the 'Make in India' initiative, about 80% of these 114 advanced Rafale fighters are planned to be manufactured domestically within India, promoting indigenous defense production and technology transfer.
This visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official trip to France in February of the previous year, highlighting the consistent high-level engagement between the two democracies. The discussions are poised to significantly advance economic, strategic, and technological collaboration, setting a robust agenda for future cooperation.
