French President Macron to Visit India for Strategic Partnership Talks

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit India from February 17 to 19, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs said. During the three-day trip, PM Modi and Macron will meet for talks covering a broad range of issues, with a focus on deepening cooperation outlined under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap- a long-term plan guiding India–France relations over the next 25 years. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international developments, including collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, the MEA noted. India-France Year Of Innovation As part of the visit, Macron will travel to Mumbai with PM Modi to jointly launch the India–France Year of Innovation, a year-long programme to be marked in both countries through 2026. The initiative aims to boost collaboration in innovation, technology and research. On February 19, the French President will attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, highlighting the growing focus of both countries on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Building On Strategic Partnership The visit follows PM Modi’s trip to France in February 2025 and reflects the steady expansion of bilateral ties. The MEA said the engagement underlines the level of trust between the two sides and their shared intent to strengthen the strategic partnership further. India and France maintain close cooperation in areas such as defence, space, civil nuclear energy, maritime security, counter-terrorism and climate action. During last year’s visit to France, the two countries also agreed to explore collaboration on advanced and small modular nuclear reactors. The upcoming visit is expected to build on recent engagements and provide fresh momentum to the India–France partnership under the Horizon 2047 framework.