French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in India for a three-day state visit from February 17 to 19, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. This high-profile trip highlights strengthening Indo-French ties amid global shifts in tech, security, and sustainability.

Macron and Modi are slated for in-depth bilateral talks guided by the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, a long-term blueprint for cooperation through India's 2047 independence centenary. Key areas include defense collaborations like Rafale jet deals, expanding trade beyond €15 billion annually, green energy initiatives, and cultural programs. The discussions will also address Indo-Pacific stability, with both nations eyeing joint naval exercises to deter threats. This builds on recent successes, such as France's support for India's UN Security Council bid.

Kicking off in Mumbai on February 17, the visit features the joint inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation. Expect announcements on startup funding, AI research labs, and tech transfers—leveraging India's vibrant ecosystem and France's expertise in aerospace and renewables. It's a nod to mutual growth: French companies like Airbus have already invested heavily here, creating thousands of jobs and tech synergies.

The trip culminates on February 19 with Macron as chief guest at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, focusing on ethical AI for "people, planet, and progress." Sessions will cover sustainable tech, healthcare applications, and global standards, linking back to the duo's 2025 Paris AI summit. This positions India as an AI leader in the Global South, potentially sparking investments from French firms like Thales into local data centers and agritech. As two middle powers with shared democratic values, this visit signals deeper alignment against uncertainties. Official ceremonies, including a possible business roundtable, round out the itinerary—watch for deal announcements that could reshape bilateral trade.