Macron and PM Modi Meet: Possible Rafale Contract and AI Summit on the Agenda

Tuesday marked the start of French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day visit to India, which is centered on a possible multibillion-dollar fighter jet contract and cooperation in artificial intelligence. Macron visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai.

Macron’s discussions with PM Modi are probably going to center on a possible multibillion-dollar sale for Dassault Rafale fighter jets and French collaboration in artificial intelligence as part of France’s efforts to deepen its military alliance with New Delhi.

Along from reviewing the status of the India-France strategic alliance, the two leaders will also discuss regional and international problems. Macron arrived in India’s financial capital with his wife, Brigitte, around midnight on Monday, marking his fourth trip to the country since assuming office in 2017. Prime Minister Modi traveled to Mumbai for the meeting.

The French President’s visit comes after India and the European Union signed a historic free trade agreement in January and New Delhi confirmed last week that it plans to put a significant order for Rafale aircraft. The Prime Minister’s Office says a thorough assessment of the progress made under the India-France Strategic Partnership will be part of the talks. It is anticipated that the discussions would center on deepening the strategic partnership and extending collaboration into new and forward-thinking industries.

According to a formal statement from the PMO, the two presidents will discuss important regional and global concerns. Discussions are also expected to include a possible contract for 114 more French fighter jets.

The first helicopter final assembly line in India will be inaugurated by PM Modi and Macron via videoconference from Mumbai, which is a joint venture between Airbus and India’s Tata Group. The company’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, the Airbus H125, will be produced at the Vemagal site in the southern Karnataka state, close to Bengaluru, a tech hotspot. 

The first helicopter final assembly line in India will be inaugurated by PM Modi and Macron via videoconference from Mumbai, which is a joint venture between Airbus and India’s Tata Group. The company’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, the Airbus H125, will be produced at the Vemagal site in the southern Karnataka state, close to Bengaluru, a tech hotspot.