French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit India from February 17 to 19, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across several strategic sectors. The visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to France last year and is expected to reinforce the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi will hold extensive discussions covering multiple areas, including defence, technology, innovation, sustainability, and regional security. A key focus of the talks will be the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, a 25-year strategic plan designed to guide India-France relations until the centenary of India’s independence in 2047.
The leaders are also expected to review progress in collaborative initiatives and discuss future cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, which remains crucial for both nations due to its growing geopolitical and economic significance. Strengthening maritime security and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific are likely to feature prominently in the discussions.
During his visit, President Macron will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. The year-long initiative aims to deepen collaboration in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. The initiative is expected to encourage partnerships between research institutions, industries, and start-ups from both countries.
Macron is also scheduled to participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where global leaders and technology experts will discuss advancements, ethical use, and governance of artificial intelligence. The summit is expected to highlight India and France’s growing role in shaping global AI policies.
The visit is seen as part of broader diplomatic efforts to enhance cooperation between the two nations in defence manufacturing, trade, climate action, and digital transformation. Both countries have maintained strong strategic and economic ties over the years, with collaboration extending across military, technological, and cultural domains.
President Macron’s visit is expected to further strengthen diplomatic engagement and open new opportunities for partnership between India and France in the coming decades.
