French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India for a three-day visit focused on strengthening defense and artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation between the two countries.
Macron is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai, where discussions will center on expanding the military partnership, including potential deals on fighter jets and maritime patrol aircraft.
The visit comes shortly after an Indian government panel gave preliminary approval for the purchase of more than 100 additional Rafale fighter jets and related defense equipment, in agreements valued at approximately $40 billion, dw.com reports.
Following his meetings in Mumbai, Macron will attend the Global AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting collaboration in emerging technologies alongside defense cooperation.
The Rafale acquisition is part of India’s broader strategy to maintain air superiority and strengthen national security, amid ongoing regional challenges along its borders with nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and China.
