New Delhi, February 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Mumbai on Tuesday to meet French President Emmanuel Macron. During the visit, the leaders will inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, according to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
President Macron will be on an official visit to India from February 17-19 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India and to hold a bilateral summit in Mumbai. This will be President Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first visit to Mumbai.
The official statement noted that at around 3:15 PM on February 17, the two leaders will hold bilateral discussions at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, reviewing the progress of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
Discussions will focus on strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding cooperation into emerging sectors. PM Modi and President Macron will also exchange views on regional and global issues.
Later, at approximately 5:15 PM, the two leaders will inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and address a gathering of business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and innovators from both countries.
Macron’s visit reflects the deepening India-France partnership across defence, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
During the visit, the two leaders will exchange MOUs, followed by a joint press statement. The Hotel Taj Mahal Palace will host an India-France Innovation Forum, and the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration will take place at the Gateway of India.
President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will visit both Mumbai and Delhi from February 16-19, the ministry said.
The Year of Innovation 2026 will be celebrated throughout the year in both countries, aiming to enhance collaboration in innovation, technology, research, and people-to-people exchanges.
This visit underscores the growing momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
As New Delhi prepares to host the Global AI Impact Expo, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The Expo will feature a global roster of Presidents, Prime Ministers, Crown Princes, and leading innovators from Silicon Valley and beyond.
From February 16 to 20, the AI Impact Summit—the first international AI summit hosted in the Global South—will showcase India’s vision for an inclusive, responsible, and impactful AI future, reflecting the country’s focus on sovereign. (Agencies)
