New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a flurry of diplomatic activity this week, hosting French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai and holding bilateral talks with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
President Macron arrived in Mumbai on Monday evening for a three-day official visit, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron. He was received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat. The visit centers on bolstering the India-France strategic partnership, with discussions scheduled to encompass defence, trade, technology, and artificial intelligence. The leaders convened a bilateral summit in Mumbai on Tuesday, where they reviewed progress under the existing partnership and explored opportunities for expanded cooperation, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting between Modi and Macron follows the Indian government’s recent approval of a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, a deal valued at $7.4 billion. Discussions are also expected to focus on renewing the defence cooperation agreement between the two nations for another decade, with an emphasis on collaboration in air and maritime domains. The two leaders jointly launched the India-France Year of Innovation, to be celebrated throughout 2026 in both countries, at a ceremony held at the Gateway of India.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed gratitude for greetings received from President Macron, Prime Minister Tobgay, and President Christodoulides on India’s 77th Republic Day. In a post on X, Modi stated he looked forward to welcoming Macron back to India, and to “further deepening and diversifying the India-France strategic partnership.” He also thanked Tobgay, noting the “special bonds of friendship and unique ties” between India and Bhutan, and Christodoulides, describing Cyprus as a “close friend and trusted partner.”
The Prime Minister met with Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tobgay, who is in India to attend the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. During their meeting, both leaders reviewed progress in areas of cooperation following Modi’s visit to Bhutan in November 2025. President Macron is also scheduled to attend the AI summit in New Delhi on Thursday.
Officials anticipate the signing of nearly a dozen agreements and memoranda of understanding during Macron’s visit, covering areas such as skill development, healthcare, and supply chains. The sixth Annual Defence Dialogue between India and France is being held in Bengaluru on Tuesday, alongside the presidential visit.
