French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a three-day visit to India, with the main goal of strengthening the strategic partnership. Talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focus on finalizing a giant contract for the delivery of 114 Rafale fighter jets to the Indian Air Force and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. The visit to Mumbai and New Delhi aims to confirm France's role as a key ally of India in the Indo-Pacific region.

Giant arms contract

India's Defence Acquisition Council has approved the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets for an amount of nearly 40 billion dollars, making India the largest recipient of these aircraft.

Cooperation in the AI area

During the summit in New Delhi, leaders will discuss joint initiatives in the field of artificial intelligence and the technological sovereignty of both states.

Additional naval needs

Alongside the contract for the air force, India is negotiating the purchase of an additional 31 Rafale Marine aircraft for its aircraft carriers, as confirmed by the Élysée Palace.

President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai, beginning his fourth official visit to India since 2018. The main agenda item is an unprecedented strengthening of defense cooperation, expressed in the planned purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets by the new unit Indian Air Force. The value of this contract is estimated at nearly 40 billion dollars (3.25 trillion rupees). India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has already approved this move, placing the French company Dassault Aviation in a privileged position against competition from the USA and Russia. Furthermore, India has expressed interest in purchasing an additional 31 aircraft in the naval version for its navy, complementing the order of 26 units from 2025. France and India have maintained a strategic partnership since 1998, based on the strategic independence of both states. Paris has become a key supplier of military technology for New Delhi as India gradually moves away from the previously dominant Soviet and Russian equipment.The visit also has a strong technological and economic dimension. Macron is accompanied by a delegation of about 30 business leaders, and talks in New Delhi will focus on artificial intelligence and technological sovereignty. The French president aims to build a counterbalance to global tensions by promoting cooperation among so-called middle powers. Nevertheless, the visit takes place against the backdrop of India's internal problems, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is grappling with nationwide farmers' strikes, which forms an important context for bilateral talks on state modernization. „Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi, to go even further in our strategic partnership.” — Emmanuel MacronOrdered (2016 and 2025): 62, New inquiry (Air Force): 114, New inquiry (Navy): 31114 — modern Rafale fighter jets will go to India[{"dataISO": "2026-02-17", "data": "17 February 2026", "event": "Arrival in Mumbai and meeting with Prime Minister Modi"}, {"dataISO": "2026-02-18", "data": "18 February 2026", "event": "Artificial Intelligence Summit in New Delhi"}, {"dataISO": "2026-02-19", "data": "19 February 2026", "event": "Conclusion of the visit and signing of strategic declarations"}]

Mentioned People

  • Emmanuel Macron — President of France undertaking his fourth state visit to India.
  • Narendra Modi — Prime Minister of India, host of Macron's visit and promoter of army modernization.
  • Rajnath Singh — India's Defence Minister chairing the Defence Acquisition Council.