PM Modi & Macron Mumbai Meet: "Special Strategic Partnership" & Rafale Deal
LIVE Updates: PM Modi and President Macron meet in Mumbai to elevate India-France ties to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership.' Key deals on Rafale jets, AI, and Everest-capable helicopters.
Rajeev
Mumbai, February 17, 2026: In a landmark moment for Indo-Pacific diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron met at Mumbai’s Lok Bhavan today. The visit, Macron’s fourth to India, has resulted in the elevation of bilateral relations to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership."
Accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, the French President was received with a grand traditional welcome before diving into high-level talks that span defense, artificial intelligence, and aerospace.
Key Highlights from the Mumbai Summit
06:15 PM IST: "The Relationship of the Century"
President Macron, speaking at a joint presser, thanked PM Modi for the "warm welcome" in Mumbai.
"The bilateral relationship between India and France is truly remarkable. We have complete faith in this relationship, which is why we are today elevating it to a Special Global Strategic Partnership," Macron announced.
05:45 PM IST: The Everest-Capable Helicopter Deal
In a massive boost to 'Make in India,' PM Modi confirmed that India and France will jointly manufacture the H125 helicopter.
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The Feat: It is the world's only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest.
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The Goal: These will be manufactured in India and exported globally, proving the partnership "has no boundaries."
05:15 PM IST: Year of Innovation 2026 Launched
The two leaders officially launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 at the Gateway of India. The initiative will focus on:
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Indo-French Centre for AI in Health
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National Centre of Alliance for Skilling in Aeronautics
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Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology
The Big Defense Stakes: Rafale & Scorpene
While the official statements focused on innovation, the "elephant in the room" remains the massive ₹3.25 Lakh Crore ($35 Billion) Rafale deal.
| Project | Status | Impact |
| 114 Rafale Jets | Final Negotiations | 96 to be built in India; advanced F-4 and F-5 variants. |
| Scorpene Submarines | Roadmap Finalized | Three additional submarines to be built at Mazagon Dock. |
| 110kN Aero-Engine | Joint R&D | Progress on engines for India’s AMCA (5th Gen Fighter). |
Brigitte Macron’s Cultural Engagements
While the leaders discussed geopolitics, First Lady Brigitte Macron visited the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel to pay tribute to the victims of the 26/11 attacks. She is also scheduled to interact with leading Indian designers and educators in Mumbai to promote the "Indo-French Cultural Corridor."
Why This Visit Matters for 2026
This visit isn't just about optics; it’s about Strategic Autonomy. In a world of shifting alliances, France remains India's most reliable Western partner.
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The AI Connection: Tomorrow, Macron travels to New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where both nations will push for ethical AI frameworks that don't rely on "Big Tech hegemony."
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Indo-Pacific Security: Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," countering rising tensions in the maritime region.
