New Rafale deal on cards as French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Mumbai

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Mumbai for a key visit, where he will engage in talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the progress of the India-France strategic partnership. This marks Macron's fourth visit to India since assuming the presidency in 2017.

Macron was welcomed at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.

Later this afternoon, Modi and Macron will hold bilateral talks at Lok Bhavan in South Mumbai. Their discussions will focus on strengthening and diversifying the strategic partnership, exploring new areas of collaboration, and exchanging views on regional and global issues.

A key topic on the agenda is the potential procurement of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, as France seeks to deepen its military ties with India. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, recently approved a proposal worth Rs 3.60 lakh crore to purchase these jets from France's Dassault Aviation. India has already purchased 36 Rafale jets for its Air Force and placed an order for 26 more for its Navy.

Later, Modi and Macron will inaugurate the "India-France Year of Innovation 2026," a joint initiative aimed at promoting collaboration between business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and innovators from both countries.

Ahead of his visit, Macron posted on X, "En route to India! Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to take our strategic partnership even further. On board with me: business leaders and the economic, industrial, cultural, and digital players who bring our ties to life. Together, we will take our cooperation to new heights. See you tomorrow, my dear friend @NarendraModi!"

Macron is in India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of PM Modi to attend the AI Impact Summit, which is being hosted by India.