Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday warmly welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to India, marking the start of a crucial three-day visit expected to boost the India–France strategic partnership.
Macron arrived in Mumbai earlier in the day and was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Welcome to India! India is delighted to welcome your visit and intends to give new momentum to our strategic partnership. I am convinced that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation in various sectors and contribute to global progress. See you very soon in Mumbai, then in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron.”
Earlier, Macron shared his message while en route to India. “En route to India! Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to take our strategic partnership even further. On board with me: business leaders and the economic, industrial, cultural and digital players who give real, tangible life to the ties between India and France. Together, we will go even further in our cooperation. See you tomorrow, my dear friend @NarendraModi!” he wrote.
The two leaders are scheduled to meet at Lok Bhavan in South Mumbai around 3:15 pm for high-level bilateral talks. Discussions are expected to review progress in defence, trade, technology and innovation while exploring new areas of cooperation. Both leaders are also likely to exchange views on key regional and global developments.
Around 12 agreements and memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed following the talks. These agreements may cover defence collaboration, healthcare, skills development, supply chains and economic partnerships, signalling a deeper and wider engagement between the two nations.
Defence cooperation remains a major highlight of the visit. India has recently approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework, marking a significant expansion of defence ties. The 6th Annual Defence Dialogue between India and France is also scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, where the existing defence cooperation agreement is expected to be renewed for another decade.
The defence discussions are likely to focus on strengthening air and maritime capabilities in line with the Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed upon in 2024. With growing strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region, both countries are positioning their partnership as a pillar of long-term stability and global cooperation.
