Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold high-level bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17, 2026, in a meeting expected to further strengthen the India-France Strategic Partnership and expand cooperation in emerging sectors.
This will be President Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first official trip to Mumbai, reflecting the deepening diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations.
Bilateral Talks at Lok Bhavan
The two leaders are scheduled to meet at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai around 3:15 PM on February 17.
India and France share strong collaboration in defence, civil nuclear energy, space research, climate action, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. The upcoming talks are expected to focus on further diversifying the partnership into new and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, clean energy innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
Officials indicate that both sides aim to translate strategic alignment into practical, technology-driven cooperation that benefits industry and research ecosystems in both countries.
Exchanging Views on Global Issues
In addition to bilateral priorities, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will exchange views on regional and global developments. With evolving geopolitical challenges, India and France have increasingly coordinated on maintaining a balanced and rules-based international order.
The Indo-Pacific region remains a key area of convergence. France, which has strategic interests in the region, has consistently supported India’s role in promoting maritime security and stability.
The leaders are also expected to deliberate on global supply chain resilience, climate commitments, and cooperation in multilateral forums.
India-France Year of Innovation 2026
Later in the evening, at around 5:15 PM, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. The initiative is designed to strengthen collaboration between start-ups, researchers, universities, and technology-driven enterprises from both countries.
The launch event will bring together business leaders, start-up founders, scientists, and innovators. The goal is to create sustained institutional partnerships and accelerate joint research, technology transfer, and industrial collaboration.
By placing innovation at the centre of bilateral ties, both governments are signalling a forward-looking agenda focused on digital transformation and sustainable growth.
Strategic Partnership Since 1998
The India-France Strategic Partnership, established in 1998, is among India’s most comprehensive bilateral frameworks in Europe. Over the years, the partnership has expanded beyond defence cooperation to include space missions, renewable energy projects, and climate initiatives.
France has emerged as a key defence partner for India, while cooperation between Indian and French space agencies continues to deepen. Economic ties have also grown steadily, with France being one of the significant investors in India within the European Union.
Looking Ahead
The Mumbai meeting comes at a crucial time when both nations are recalibrating their economic and strategic priorities in a rapidly changing global environment. The emphasis on innovation and technology suggests that future India-France cooperation will increasingly centre on high-growth sectors.
As Prime Minister Modi and President Macron engage in detailed discussions, the visit is expected to reinforce trust, deepen economic ties, and strengthen coordination on international issues.
The outcomes of the bilateral summit and the launch of the Year of Innovation 2026 are likely to shape the next phase of India-France relations.
