French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Mumbai for the inaugural stop of his visit to India aimed at deepening bilateral ties. This visit comes at a time when international alliances are facing challenges, drawing attention towards India as a crucial partner. The French government is finalizing the sale of over a hundred Rafale fighter jets to India, indicating a significant commitment to defense cooperation between the two nations.

During this visit, Macron is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss various collaborative efforts in defense, space, nuclear energy, and emerging technologies. The meeting underscores a mutual interest in strengthening strategic partnerships amidst shifting global alliances, particularly in the context of the current geopolitical landscape influenced by the Trump administration's policies in the United States.

This marks Macron's fourth visit to India, reflecting the long-standing and deepening relationship between France and India. As global leaders increasingly recognize India's growing role on the world stage, Macron's visit not only aims to solidify existing agreements but also to explore new avenues for cooperation, especially in critical technology sectors such as artificial intelligence at an upcoming summit in New Delhi with other leaders like Brazil's Lula da Silva and Spain's Pedro Sánchez.