New Delhi is gearing up for a landmark visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who arrives on February 16 for a three-day trip centered around the India AI Impact Summit. This high-profile engagement underscores the deepening technological alliance between India and France, with Macron set to co-launch the India-France Year of Innovation alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The French Embassy highlighted on social media that Macron’s visit follows PM Modi’s attendance at the AI Action Summit in France last year, signaling mutual trust in AI leadership. ‘This trip reinforces our shared commitment to harnessing AI for global good through concrete actions,’ the embassy stated, emphasizing advancements in scientific knowledge, research, and cross-sector innovation.
On February 17, Macron will meet PM Modi at 3:15 PM at Raj Bhavan for bilateral talks, MoU exchanges, and a joint statement. The evening features the India-France Innovation Forum at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel at 5:20 PM, followed by the launch event at Gateway of India at 8:15 PM.
The itinerary continues on February 18 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, with family photos, opening ceremonies, pavilion visits, and leader plenaries culminating in a working lunch. Macron departs at 3:45 PM on February 19 after key summit sessions.
Discussions will cover the Horizon 2047 roadmap, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and regional issues, extending the strategic partnership. The Year of Innovation, running through 2026, promises year-long events across both nations, boosting collaboration in cutting-edge fields.