French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India for a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening defense, trade and technology cooperation, with negotiations focused on artificial intelligence and a potential multibillion-dollar fighter jet deal expected to dominate the agenda.
Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron landed shortly after midnight in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, marking the French leader’s fourth official trip to India since taking office in 2017. The visit underscores Paris’s growing strategic interest in South Asia.
Talks are expected to center on expanding military collaboration, particularly a proposed contract for 114 additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets. If finalized, the deal would significantly deepen defense ties between the two countries and bolster India’s air power capabilities.
Macron is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later Tuesday before traveling to New Delhi for an artificial intelligence summit. The gathering is expected to bring together policymakers, researchers and business leaders to discuss emerging technologies and regulatory cooperation.
French officials say the trip blends economic diplomacy with strategic security concerns. Paris hopes to position itself as a reliable partner for India at a time when New Delhi is diversifying suppliers and investing heavily in domestic production.
India’s defense ministry confirmed last week that the proposed Rafale purchase had cleared key approvals, with most of the aircraft expected to be manufactured locally. While authorities did not publicly specify numbers, defense sources indicated that 114 jets had been authorized.
Such an agreement would build on India’s earlier acquisitions. In 2016, New Delhi ordered 36 Rafales for its air force and later approved 26 naval variants. The expanded fleet would mark one of the largest foreign fighter purchases in recent years.
The aircraft are produced by Dassault Aviation, which has long promoted technology transfers and joint production to secure overseas contracts. Analysts say local manufacturing could support India’s “Make in India” initiative while reducing costs and strengthening domestic aerospace capabilities.
Beyond defense, artificial intelligence has emerged as a pillar of cooperation. France aims to deepen partnerships in research, data governance and innovation, areas both governments consider essential to economic competitiveness and national security.
Diplomats say the AI summit could produce joint research programs, student exchanges and private sector investments, reinforcing a broader strategy to align Europe and India on digital standards and ethical frameworks.
The visit also comes against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical alignments. Over the past decade, India has sought to lessen its dependence on Russian military equipment by engaging more closely with Western suppliers and expanding homegrown manufacturing.
For Paris, the opportunity is strategic. Strengthening ties with India supports France’s Indo-Pacific strategy and expands its influence in one of the world’s fastest-growing defense markets.
The trip follows a landmark trade breakthrough between India and the European Union, finalized earlier this year. French officials see the broader agreement as complementary to bilateral deals, opening doors for greater investment and cooperation.
Observers note that Macron’s visit balances symbolism with substance. High-profile appearances signal political goodwill, while closed-door talks aim to lock in long-term commitments on defense and technology.
If the Rafale contract proceeds, it would represent a “historic” step in the relationship, reshaping military cooperation for decades. For both countries, the negotiations reflect a shared ambition to build a deeper strategic partnership rooted in security, innovation and economic growth.