Rafale deal, defence projects and cultural outreach mark Mumbai meeting
February 17, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the India–France bond “knows no boundaries” after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai, describing the relationship as a future-focused strategic partnership and a force for global stability. During their bilateral talks at Lok Bhavan, defence cooperation took centre stage, particularly the proposed procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. The deal is understood to be nearing finalisation, with discussions also covering advanced technology and materials collaboration.
Alongside the fighter aircraft agreement, negotiations on the acquisition of Hammer missiles progressed, further strengthening defence ties. Just ahead of Macron’s visit, the Ministry of Defence cleared the production of 114 Rafale jets in India, marking a significant boost to domestic manufacturing. The leaders are also set to virtually inaugurate a helicopter plant jointly established by Airbus and Tata Group near Bengaluru, which will manufacture H-125 light utility helicopters to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak fleets.
President Macron’s Mumbai visit also featured cultural engagements, as he interacted with leading Indian film personalities including Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Zoya Akhtar, Richa Chadha and Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej. The high-level exchanges highlight the deepening strategic, defence and cultural partnership between the two nations.