French President Emmanuel Macron is in India for a three-day visit aimed at shoring up defense and AI ties with the South Asian country. Macron met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in Mumbai, where the leaders were to discuss expanding military partnership between the two countries. “Through this visit, we seek to further strengthen cooperation” with India and to diversify France’s economic and trade partnerships, Macron’s office said. But multiple reports noted that the initial clearance makes way for 114 Rafale jets, among other military equipment. Since 2015, India has bought 26 Rafale jets worth around $8.7 billion, and in April 2025, it announced a fresh multibillion-dollar deal to buy 26 Rafale marine fighter jets.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 18, 2026 14:49 UTC