Macron Heads to India: AI Talks, Rafale Buzz and a Bigger Indo-Pacific Game Plan on the Table
France is dialing up its India engagement once again. President Emmanuel Macron is set to land in India late Monday night for a three-day visit that packs in high-level diplomacy, defense negotiations, tech collaboration, and a strong Indo-Pacific message.
At the heart of the visit? A clear attempt to deepen the already robust partnership between Paris and New Delhi.
Strategic Partners, Stepping It Up
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the trip reflects the “mutual trust and depth” that define the India-France strategic partnership. During his stay, Macron will hold detailed bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.
The discussions will revolve around the ambitious Horizon 2047 roadmap—a long-term blueprint designed to guide bilateral ties as both nations look toward 2047, marking 100 years of diplomatic relations.
Beyond bilateral issues, the two leaders are also expected to exchange views on pressing regional and global matters, with a particular focus on the Indo-Pacific—a region that’s becoming increasingly central to global geopolitics.
AI Takes Center Stage in New Delhi
One of the key stops on Macron’s itinerary is the India AI Impact Summit 2026, being hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Macron and Modi will participate in the summit, underscoring both nations’ commitment to responsible, inclusive artificial intelligence. The message is clear: AI isn’t just about innovation—it’s about shaping technology in a way that benefits society at large.
The tech push doesn’t end there. The two leaders will travel to Mumbai to formally launch the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, a year-long initiative aimed at supercharging collaboration in technology, research, and the startup ecosystem. Expect joint programs, cross-border research partnerships, and increased engagement between entrepreneurs from both countries.
The Big Defense Question: Rafale Deal in Focus
Of course, no India-France summit would be complete without defense talks.
France currently stands as India’s second-largest defense supplier, and this visit could see momentum on a major deal: the proposed acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets (4.5 generation).
Here’s how it could play out:
- 18 aircraft would arrive in fly-away condition from France.
- The remaining 96 jets would be manufactured in India, reinforcing the “Make in India” push.
This would significantly boost the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy has already placed an order for 26 Rafale-M aircraft, aimed at strengthening maritime air power.
If finalized, the agreement would mark one of the largest defense deals between the two nations.
Indo-Pacific: Where Strategy Meets Reality
The Indo-Pacific is expected to be a major pillar of discussions.
Why does it matter? Because nearly 60% of global GDP flows through this region. And with China expanding its footprint there, India and France see strategic alignment as not just beneficial—but necessary.
France is not a distant observer in the Indo-Pacific. It has territories such as Réunion and New Caledonia, giving it a permanent presence in the region. That makes Paris an active stakeholder in maritime security and regional stability.
During the visit, both sides are likely to focus on:
- Diversifying supply chains
- Securing sea lanes of communication
- Enhancing maritime cooperation
For India, French support strengthens its strategic hand in balancing regional power dynamics. For France, closer ties with India reinforce its Indo-Pacific strategy.
A Visit Packed with Signals
Interestingly, this trip comes almost exactly a year after PM Modi’s February 2025 visit to France, highlighting the steady rhythm of top-level engagement between the two countries.
From fighter jets and supply chains to artificial intelligence and startup ecosystems, Macron’s visit is shaping up to be more than just diplomatic pageantry. It’s about aligning long-term visions—on security, technology, innovation, and global governance.
In short, Paris and New Delhi aren’t just maintaining ties—they’re actively expanding them. And over the next three days, the tone for that next phase will be set.