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Macron's India Visit Deepens Strategic Ties, Focus on AI and Defence

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, highlighting the deepening strategic alliance between India and France since 2014. Macron arrived in Mumbai with First Lady Brigitte Macron for a multi-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks focusing on defence, trade, technology, and clean energy, and will jointly attend the India AI Impact Summit. The visit aims to launch the Year of Innovation 2026 and impart further momentum to the bilateral strategic partnership.

Key Points: Macron Visits India: Strategic Partnership, AI Summit, Defence Talks

  • Macron's 4th visit to India
  • Focus on defence & AI cooperation
  • Bilateral talks with PM Modi
  • Launch of Year of Innovation 2026
2 min read

"Long-Standing relationship deepened": Priyanka Chaturvedi welcomes French President Macron

French President Macron visits India for strategic talks with PM Modi, focusing on defence, AI, and innovation to deepen bilateral ties.

"India and France have a long-standing relationship that has deepened over time - Priyanka Chaturvedi"

New Delhi, February 17

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, noting that bilateral ties between India and France have evolved into a robust strategic alliance. Highlighting progress since 2014, Chaturvedi noted that the visit is an important step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and France, particularly in areas such as defence and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "India and France have a long-standing relationship that has deepened over time, driven by shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based order. Since 2014, the relationship has deepened through the purchase of defence equipment, and we hope it will continue to strengthen. He is visiting on the sidelines of the AI summit and will be equally involved; he'll address it as well. We welcome him to India and hope for a stronger relationship in the time ahead."

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, posters and hoardings welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron were put up across Mumbai as he began his official visit to India from February 16 to 19. President Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later on Tuesday. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in areas including defence, trade, technology, clean energy, and strategic partnerships.

Following engagements in Mumbai, the French President and the Prime Minister will travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026. French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Tuesday for their scheduled visit to India, which runs through February 19.

"Towards a stronger India-France strategic partnership! Warm welcome to President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. He was warmly received by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, at the Mumbai airport. During the visit, PM Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders will launch Year of Innovation 2026. The visit will impart further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

This is Macron's fourth visit to the country, at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in tech, the focus on AI cooperation is the most exciting part. India has the talent, France has research institutions. This partnership can create something truly global. Hope it leads to more opportunities for our engineers and startups.
R
Rohit P
Good to see strong ties with a Western power that doesn't constantly lecture us on internal matters. France understands strategic autonomy. The clean energy collaboration is also crucial for our development goals.
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Priyanka S
While strategic partnerships are important, I hope our leaders also discuss tangible benefits for common people. More student exchanges, easier visas, and collaborative projects in healthcare and agriculture would be welcome outcomes.
V
Vikram M
Fourth visit by Macron shows the relationship is truly special. In a shifting world order, having a dependable partner in Europe is a big asset for India. The Year of Innovation sounds promising. Let's make it count!
K
Kavya N
Respectfully, I read the article and felt it was heavy on ceremony and light on specifics. "Deepening ties" and "strategic partnership" are used often. I'd like more clarity on what exactly the AI summit will deliver for Indian citizens beyond headlines.

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