French President Emmanuel Macron touched down in New Delhi on Wednesday alongside First Lady Brigitte Macron, marking a significant moment in India-France relations. Greeted at the airport by Minister of State KV Singh amid light drizzle, Macron responded warmly to traditional folk performances with folded hands in gratitude.
The Ministry of External Affairs shared vibrant images on social media, highlighting Macron’s arrival for the AI Impact Summit 2026. This high-profile event underscores efforts to deepen bilateral ties amid the rising influence of artificial intelligence. It’s Macron’s fourth visit to India since taking office, having previously attended the G20 Summit in September 2023 and served as Republic Day chief guest in January 2024, following his debut trip in March 2018.
India and France have nurtured a strategic partnership since 1998, collaborating across defense, technology, space, and energy sectors. This visit is poised to propel these synergies further, especially as both nations designate 2026 as the ‘India-France Innovation Year.’ This year-long initiative aims to foster breakthroughs in emerging tech, research, and industrial innovation, with a sharp focus on AI.
Together, they’re crafting a shared AI roadmap emphasizing responsible and ethical systems development. The momentum built from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Tuesday meeting with Macron in Mumbai, where they addressed a joint press conference. Modi hailed France as India’s special partner, announcing an upgrade to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership.’
This elevated status expands beyond trade and arms deals into joint endeavors on security, technology, space exploration, maritime safety, and global challenges. What began as a strategic partnership in 1998 now evolves into a robust framework for future collaboration, signaling a new era of innovation-driven diplomacy between the two nations.