Emmanuel Macron Visits India to Strengthen Defense and AI Cooperation
French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a three-day official visit to India, focusing on expanding cooperation in defense and artificial intelligence, as well as advancing a significant deal for the sale of Rafale fighter jets to New Delhi.
Macron and his wife, Brigitte, arrived in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, marking his fourth visit since his election in 2017. He affirmed on the platform X that the three days will be dedicated to further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries “more than ever.”
Rafale Fighters at the Heart of Discussions
Macron is expected to discuss with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a potential contract for the sale of an additional 114 Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter jets, in a deal that could be worth billions of dollars.
India had previously purchased 36 Rafale aircraft for its air force in 2016 and requested 26 for its navy. The Indian Ministry of Defense announced last week its intention to finalize a new deal, with “most” of the aircraft to be manufactured domestically as part of New Delhi’s strategy to enhance local manufacturing and reduce reliance on Russia, its traditional primary weapons supplier.
Industrial Cooperation and Airbus Helicopters
Modi and Macron will inaugurate India’s first final assembly line for helicopters via video technology, a joint project between Tata Group and Airbus.
The facility in Karnataka will manufacture H125 helicopters, which are the best-selling model for the European company in the single-engine helicopter category.
Artificial Intelligence and Strategic Independence
In addition to defense matters, Macron will participate in a summit on artificial intelligence in New Delhi on Wednesday and Thursday, where both sides will discuss investment, scientific research, and broader access to technological tools.
Paris emphasizes that this visit represents a new step in highlighting the “depth of the partnership” between the two countries, particularly in light of what it describes as a “shared understanding of strategic independence,” and support for international pluralism, with France chairing the G7 and India leading the BRICS group this year.
The visit program also includes meetings with representatives from the Indian film industry, signaling an expansion of cultural cooperation alongside defense and technological partnerships.
