New Delhi and Paris are poised to deepen their strategic alliance as French President Emmanuel Macron prepares for a three-day visit to India, beginning February 17th, 2026. This trip, Macron’s fourth to India since 2018, underscores the growing importance of the relationship amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics and shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit is expected to focus on bolstering cooperation in artificial intelligence, defense, and innovation, building upon the ‘Horizon 2047’ roadmap established in 2023.
The strengthening ties between India and France are occurring against a backdrop of global uncertainty. For France, this includes navigating the war in Ukraine and managing complex relations with the United States regarding trade and strategic interests. India, meanwhile, faces ongoing disputes with Pakistan and China, as well as evolving dynamics in its relationship with the U.S. This shared context provides a strong impetus for closer collaboration, particularly in defense and security.
Horizon 2047: A Long-Term Vision
At the heart of the deepening partnership is the ‘Horizon 2047’ roadmap, a long-term framework designed to expand collaboration across a wide range of sectors. This initiative, coinciding with the centenary of India’s independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, aims to foster cooperation in areas such as fighter jet production, nuclear energy, critical minerals, and high-tech manufacturing. President Macron is scheduled to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, an event initially announced by Prime Minister Modi during the France-IA Action Summit in Paris in February 2025, further highlighting the commitment to technological advancement. The year 2026 is also being jointly celebrated as the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’, emphasizing the strategic importance of AI, advanced technologies, research, and the digital economy.
Economic and Defense Ties
Economic relations between India and France are on an upward trajectory, though both nations recognize the potential for further growth. Bilateral trade reached approximately 12.75 billion euros in 2024-2025, a significant increase from the 7.65 billion euros recorded in 2020-2021. France has emerged as a key source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, with over 1,000 French establishments operating within the country, representing an FDI inflow of 9.9 billion euros between April 2000 and March 2025. More than 150 Indian companies also maintain a presence in France, employing over 7,000 people.
Defense cooperation remains a cornerstone of the India-France partnership. France is currently the second-largest arms supplier to India, accounting for 33% of India’s arms imports. Between 2020 and 2024, approximately 28% of French arms exports were destined for India, exceeding the combined share of all other European recipients. Recently, India’s Defense Acquisition Council approved the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, marking one of the largest defense deals in India’s history. The India-France Defense Industrial Roadmap aims to foster innovation and partnership within both defense ecosystems, involving startups, investors, and academic institutions.
Geopolitical Alignment and Regional Cooperation
Beyond bilateral ties, India and France share a common strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region, formalized in 2018. The upcoming visit will also provide an opportunity to discuss the India-Middle East-Europe (IMEC) corridor, a project aimed at enhancing connectivity, sustainable growth, and access to clean energy. The strategic location of Marseille, France, in the Mediterranean Sea is considered crucial to the success of this initiative. Both nations, as members of the G20, are actively engaged in addressing global challenges and promoting multipolarity.
This year holds particular significance as France hosts the G7 summit and India chairs the BRICS summit, providing platforms for both countries to shape the international agenda. Both nations are committed to addressing global issues such as counter-terrorism, climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable development. France was a founding member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched by India in 2015 during the United Nations COP21 climate conference.
Looking ahead, both India and France aim to broaden and diversify their cooperation beyond the traditional pillars of strategic partnership – defense, security, civil nuclear power, and space – to encompass areas like technology, cybersecurity, education, and tourism. Efforts will be made to promote startup ecosystems and facilitate networking opportunities for entrepreneurs in both countries.
The visit of President Macron represents a crucial opportunity to solidify the India-France partnership in a rapidly changing world. Continued collaboration will be essential for navigating geopolitical challenges and fostering stability in the global order. Further discussions are expected regarding the implementation of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, which could unlock new avenues for economic growth and cooperation.
What are your thoughts on the growing India-France partnership? Share your comments below and let us know how you think this relationship will evolve in the years to arrive.
