Key Highlights
- Strategic Upgrade: Bilateral relations officially elevated to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership,” reflecting deepest diplomatic trust.
- Defense Milestone: Inauguration of the H125 helicopter assembly line in India, a joint venture capable of producing the world’s only helicopter that can fly to the height of Mount Everest.
- Innovation Launch: Proclamation of 2026 as the “India-France Year of Innovation,” targeting space tech, critical minerals, and biotechnology.
- Counter-Terrorism: President Macron paid a solemn tribute to the 26/11 victims at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, reaffirming solidarity against global terror.
- Cultural Bridge: A high-profile lunch with Bollywood legends like Anil Kapoor and Manoj Bajpayee highlighted “soft power” ties between the two nations.
In a visit marked by both ceremonial grandeur and strategic depth, French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a landmark bilateral summit in Mumbai on February 17, 2026. This fourth visit by Macron to India, and his first to the financial capital, culminated in the elevation of ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership,” a status reserved for India’s most trusted allies.
The leaders met at Lok Bhavan, where they finalized 21 key outcomes across defense, artificial intelligence, and clean energy. A major highlight was the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line in Karnataka, a partnership between Tata and Airbus. PM Modi noted that this facility would not only serve India’s domestic needs but would also position India as a global export hub for specialized aviation technology.
From Defense to Digital: The AI and Innovation Push
The summit’s focus was not limited to traditional defense. With the “AI Impact Summit” scheduled to follow in New Delhi, the two leaders launched several digital initiatives, including the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health and the National Centre of Alliance for Skilling in Aeronautics.
Macron emphasized India’s leading role in global innovation, famously listing Indian-origin CEOs of global tech giants like Alphabet and Microsoft to illustrate his point. The “India-France Year of Innovation 2026” was officially inaugurated at the Taj Mahal Palace, aiming to connect startups, MSMEs, and researchers from both countries to solve global challenges like climate change and food security.
Cultural Diplomacy and a Morning Run
President Macron’s visit also captured the public’s imagination through his informal engagements. Before the high-stakes meetings, the 48-year-old leader surprised Mumbaikars with a sunrise jog along the Marine Drive promenade, wearing athletic gear and minimal security detail.
Later, the French First Lady, Brigitte Macron, and the President hosted a sophisticated Indo-French fusion lunch for Bollywood icons. Guests, including Anil Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Zoya Akhtar, and Ricky Kej, discussed film collaborations and co-productions. During the event, it was revealed that Brigitte Macron is a fan of Slumdog Millionaire, adding a personal touch to the interaction with Anil Kapoor.
Standing Together Against Terror
In a poignant gesture of international solidarity, the French delegation paid floral tributes at the 26/11 memorial inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. President Macron reaffirmed that “unity and determination” are essential in the global fight against terrorism, stating that France stands firmly with the families of the victims and the people of India.
The three-day visit continues as President Macron travels to New Delhi on Wednesday to participate in the opening ceremony of the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, where global tech leaders will convene to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.
