Macron Invites Modi to G7, Hails Bilateral Ties

Emmanuel Macron has said that relations between India and France are at their “highest point,” describing the partnership as a unique Special Global Strategic Partnership that both nations are keen to expand further. Speaking on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Macron highlighted the deepening engagement between the two countries across defence, technology and the Indo-Pacific region.

Noting that this was his fourth bilateral visit to India as President, Macron said he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have met more than twenty times in recent years, consolidating what he called an “extremely dense agenda.” He underlined their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, aimed at preventing hegemony or vassalisation and avoiding conflict in the region.

Macron revealed that he has invited Modi for a state visit to France in June, where the Indian Prime Minister will be the special guest at the G7 Summit. He also said he would return to India next year at Modi’s invitation.

Defence cooperation remains a cornerstone of the partnership. Macron said India has confirmed its willingness to order 114 additional Rafale fighter jets with a strong “Make in India” component, including co-production and expanded maintenance cooperation. France, he stressed, is committed to maximising Indian components and manufacturing critical systems in India. He also expressed hope for advancing collaboration on submarines, noting that France has already delivered six Scorpène-class submarines to the Indian Navy.

Highlighting industrial ties, Macron referred to a joint project between Airbus and Tata Group to produce H-125 helicopters in India.
On artificial intelligence, Macron called for inclusive and cooperative AI governance, warning against digital fragmentation. He said France would use its G7 presidency to promote shared technological growth, while expressing confidence that India would advance similar goals through its BRICS presidency. He emphasised that no country should be reduced to merely a market for foreign digital models or a source of data.