Strategic ties in focus as Modi and Macron evaluate India–France partnership in Mumbai talks

A file picture of Indian PM Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron meeting in India. Photo: Emmanul Macron/X

IBNS-CMEDIA: Indian PM Narendra Modi will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday, officials said.

President Emmanuel Macron will be on an official visit to India from February 17-19 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India, as well as hold a bilateral summit with the Prime Minister in Mumbai.

“This will be President Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first visit to Mumbai,” reported the Prime Minister’s Office.

“At around 3:15 PM on 17 February, the two leaders will hold bilateral engagements at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai,” the statement said.

As per the statement, during these engagements, they will review the progress made in the India-France Strategic Partnership.

“Their discussions will focus on cementing the strategic partnership and further diversifying it into new and emerging areas,” the statement said.

Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance.

India AI Impact Expo 2026

Meanwhile, Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026 on February 16, 2026, at 5 PM at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The Expo, scheduled from February 16 to 20, will be held alongside the India AI Impact Summit at the same venue. Envisioned as a national showcase of “AI in action,” the event will demonstrate how policy translates into practice, innovation scales to real-world impact, and technology reaches everyday citizens.

Spread across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres, the Expo will bring together global technology leaders, startups, academic and research institutions, Union Ministries, State Governments, and international partners under one roof.

A major highlight will be 13 country pavilions spotlighting international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. Participating nations include Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and several African countries.