Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with French President Emmanuel Macron before Macron wrapped up his visit to India on Thursday, following his attendance at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
The two leaders engaged in discussions during a busy day, with PM Modi extending a warm welcome to the world leaders at the significant summit. Macron’s official visit from February 17 to 19 included talks on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
They also deliberated on regional and global matters of mutual interest, such as collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, both leaders jointly launched the India-France Year of Innovation in Mumbai, scheduled to be observed throughout 2026 in both nations.
French President Macron’s visit comes after Prime Minister Modi’s trip to France in February 2025, showcasing the strong mutual trust and the depth of the India–France Strategic Partnership, along with the shared commitment to further strengthening it. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh bid farewell to the French President at the Delhi airport on Thursday evening.
Singh highlighted the elevation of bilateral relations to a Special Global Strategic Partnership during Macron’s successful visit, expanding cooperation across defense, critical minerals, advanced technologies, climate action, health, education, and economic security. Macron’s participation in the AI Impact Summit has significantly boosted India–France collaboration in emerging technologies, innovation, and responsible AI, as per Singh’s post on X.
As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Macron’s visit, which included progress on the ‘Horizon 2047’ objectives with over 20 outcomes and a focus on AI for humanity, inclusive growth, and sustainable development, has greatly enhanced the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.
