French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a crucial three-day visit to India, placing artificial intelligence cooperation and a potential multibillion-euro fighter jet deal at the center of high-level discussions. The visit signals a new chapter in the expanding strategic partnership between France and India.
Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, arrived in Mumbai shortly before midnight on Monday. This marks his fourth official visit to India since assuming office in 2017. He is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi before traveling to New Delhi for a major artificial intelligence summit later this week.
AI Cooperation and Strategic Technology Talks
Artificial intelligence cooperation is expected to be a key pillar of the discussions. Both nations are looking to deepen collaboration in emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, and digital governance. As India rapidly positions itself as a global tech powerhouse, France is seeking stronger partnerships in advanced research, AI regulation, and responsible innovation.
With India on track to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, technology partnerships are no longer optional—they are strategic necessities.
The Potential €30 Billion Rafale Deal
At the heart of the visit lies a possible defence agreement that could reshape bilateral military cooperation. India is considering purchasing 114 additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets in what experts describe as a potential €30 billion ($35 billion) deal.
The proposed agreement has already received preliminary clearance from India’s Defence Ministry, with most of the aircraft expected to be manufactured domestically—strengthening India’s “Make in India” defence production ambitions. While the final number has not been officially confirmed, defence sources indicate that 114 jets are likely.
If finalized, this agreement would add to the 36 Rafales India acquired in 2016 and 26 additional aircraft ordered for its navy. Negotiations continue with manufacturer Dassault Aviation, though French officials have expressed optimism about reaching what they call a “historic” deal.
Christophe Jaffrelot of the Sciences Po Center for International Studies described the potential agreement as the “contract of the century” and a crowning achievement in India–France relations.
Expanding Defence Manufacturing: Tata–Airbus Collaboration
In a significant boost to defence manufacturing ties, Modi and Macron will also inaugurate India’s first helicopter final assembly line via videoconference. The project is a joint venture between India’s Tata Group and European aerospace giant Airbus.
Located in Karnataka near Bengaluru, the facility will manufacture the Airbus H125 helicopter—Airbus’ best-selling single-engine aircraft. This move reflects both countries’ intent to deepen industrial cooperation and strengthen India’s domestic aerospace ecosystem.
Strategic Diversification Amid Global Uncertainty
France has emerged as one of India’s most important defence and economic partners over the past decade. Bilateral trade stands at approximately €15 billion annually, driven largely by defence and aerospace cooperation. French foreign direct investment in India totals nearly €13 billion.
The visit comes amid shifting global dynamics. Discussions are expected to address economic uncertainties triggered by tariff policies under former US President Donald Trump, as well as China’s growing regional influence.
One delicate topic remains Ukraine. India has not formally condemned Russia’s 2022 invasion and continues to purchase Russian oil. While Washington has suggested India may reconsider these imports, no official confirmation has been issued by New Delhi.
A Relationship Beyond Contracts
Beyond defence contracts and economic figures, this visit reflects the evolving personal rapport between Modi and Macron. Analysts point to a strong personal chemistry between the two leaders, which has helped accelerate cooperation in areas ranging from climate action to security and innovation.
But beyond geopolitics, trade numbers, and strategic agreements, this visit also reflects something deeper: two democracies navigating a complex global order together. As nations recalibrate alliances in a rapidly changing world, partnerships like that of India and France are increasingly shaped not just by military hardware or economic interests, but by shared ambition for technological leadership, stability, and growth.
In the end, behind every billion-euro contract are workers, engineers, researchers, and families whose futures are tied to these decisions. This visit is not only about jets or artificial intelligence—it is about shaping opportunities, industries, and strategic trust for the next generation.
