Macron’s India Visit to Reinforce Strategic Partnership
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to pay an official visit to India from February 17 to 19, during which he will hold extensive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi . The visit, announced by the Ministry of External Affairs , highlights the growing depth and continuity of the India–France strategic partnership.
Building on Recent Diplomatic Momentum
The visit follows Prime Minister Modi’s trip to France in February 2025, indicating sustained high-level engagement between the two countries. President Macron has previously emphasised the strength of bilateral cooperation, particularly pointing to joint initiatives such as co-hosting the Artificial Intelligence Summit in Paris. His India visit is expected to carry forward outcomes from these engagements and broaden collaboration in priority sectors.
Horizon 2047 Roadmap as Guiding Framework
Discussions during the visit will be anchored in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, a long-term strategic blueprint charting India–France relations up to the centenary of India’s independence. The roadmap spans defence and security cooperation, clean and nuclear energy, digital and emerging technologies, space collaboration, education, research, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges, reflecting a forward-looking and structured partnership.
Regional and Global Issues on the Agenda
Beyond bilateral matters, the two leaders are likely to exchange views on regional and global developments. Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region will receive particular attention, given shared interests in maritime security, resilient supply chains, and adherence to a rules-based international order. Coordination in multilateral forums and responses to global governance challenges are also expected to feature prominently.
Innovation and AI-Centric Engagements
A key highlight of the visit will be the joint inauguration of the India–France Year of Innovation, a year-long programme aimed at strengthening cooperation in cutting-edge technologies, sustainability initiatives, start-up ecosystems, and cultural exchanges. President Macron is also set to participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, underscoring the central role of artificial intelligence and digital trust in the evolving bilateral agenda.
Exam-Focused Points
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India and France share a long-standing Strategic Partnership.
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Horizon 2047 Roadmap aligns bilateral cooperation with India’s 100th year of independence.
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The Indo-Pacific is a core area of India–France strategic convergence.
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2026 is being observed as the India–France Year of Innovation.
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AI and emerging technologies are key pillars of current bilateral cooperation.
Month: Current Affairs - February 11, 2026
Category: International Relations