French President Emmanuel Macron has embarked on a three-day official visit to India, focusing on strengthening collaboration in artificial intelligence and discussing a substantial arms deal to sell additional Rafale fighter jets to New Delhi. Arriving in Mumbai with his wife Brigitte, Macron emphasized the importance of further enhancing the strategic partnership between France and India, marking this as his fourth visit since taking office in 2017.

During his visit, Macron is slated to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss various topics, including a potential contract for India to acquire 114 French fighter jets. The discussions come at a time when India is looking to diversify its military partnerships and decrease reliance on specific suppliers, particularly in light of its recent military needs and geopolitical aspirations in the region.

This visit is significant as it coincides with India's intentions to procure new Rafale jets and follows the signing of a historic free trade agreement between India and the European Union in January. As India continues to assert itself more robustly on the global stage, partnerships with nations like France are key to its strategy of self-reliance and modernization of its defense capabilities, as well as its technological advancement in artificial intelligence.