French President Emmanuel Macron to Visit India From February 17–19

French President Emmanuel Macron will undertake an official visit to India from February 17 to 19, during which he will hold wide-ranging bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the visit, underscoring its importance in advancing the long-term strategic partnership between the two countries.

Context of the high-level visit

The visit comes a year after Prime Minister Modi travelled to France in February 2025, reflecting sustained momentum in India–France relations. President Macron has earlier highlighted the shared diplomatic achievements of the two countries, including their joint leadership at the Artificial Intelligence Summit held in Paris. His India visit is expected to follow up on those engagements and expand cooperation in emerging and strategic sectors.

Horizon 2047 Roadmap at the core

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral talks will focus on areas outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. This roadmap is a 25-year strategic framework designed to guide India–France relations until the centenary of India’s independence in 2047. It covers defence and security, clean energy, digital technologies, space, education, and people-to-people ties, with an emphasis on long-term strategic alignment.

Regional and global issues on agenda

In addition to bilateral cooperation, the two leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region will be a key focus, reflecting shared concerns over maritime security, supply chain resilience, and a rules-based international order. The discussions are also likely to address global governance challenges and coordination in multilateral forums.

Important Facts for Exams

• India and France are strategic partners with a formalised Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
• The roadmap is aligned with the 100th year of India’s independence.
• India and France cooperate closely in the Indo-Pacific region.
• 2026 has been designated as the India–France Year of Innovation.

Innovation and artificial intelligence focus

During the visit, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi will jointly inaugurate the India–France Year of Innovation, a year-long initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration in cutting-edge technologies, sustainability, and cultural exchange. President Macron will also participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, reinforcing the growing emphasis on artificial intelligence, digital trust, and technology-led development in the bilateral partnership.