PM Modi and President Macron declared 2026 a ‘turning point’ for India‑Europe ties – what’s coming ahead? | World News

Mumbai: The city became the center of attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron on the first day of his three-day visit to India. The agenda of the bilateral meeting includes long-standing friendship, future partnerships and celebration of the common vision between the two countries.

The day started with official talks at Lok Bhavan in south Mumbai, and both leaders spoke at length about the warmth of India-France relations and the next steps. Talking about the depth of cooperation that has developed over decades, Modi said that the year 2026 has a special meaning.

He said 2026 will be a year that will give new impetus to India-Europe relations and emphasized that the recently signed free trade agreement with the European Union is one of New Delhi’s biggest economic agreements.

Discussions later moved to a joint stage at the India-France Innovation Forum; Here, both leaders emphasized how innovation thrives when minds and ideas travel freely across borders. Macron praised India’s growing influence in global research and technology, saying the country’s energy, creativity and forward-thinking spirit make it a natural partner for progress.

He recognized Mumbai as a city of ambition in constant motion and said it was an apt place to launch initiatives that look beyond today.

Modi announced that both countries plan to celebrate 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, an initiative aimed at deepening collaboration between industries, research communities, students and entrepreneurs on both sides. He said the program will create many opportunities not only for government institutions but also for individuals and businesses interested in technology, sustainability, clean energy, science and mutual exchange.

Steps in this direction appear to have already been taken. Reports from forums and meetings stated that more than 20 official agreements were reached in various fields, from defense technology to space missions, from health collaborations to innovation partnerships. These include initiatives focused on helicopter assembly lines in India and joint projects in satellite technology. This shows a broadening horizon of cooperation.

Both leaders made clear that their engagement is not limited to bilateral concerns. While Modi talked about the importance of strong partnerships in a globally uncertain world, Macron emphasized cooperation in regions such as the Indo-Pacific and in forums addressing climate change, technology governance and peace. Both recognized that a strong India-France relationship contributes to collective stability and prosperity beyond their national borders.

Macron will then travel to New Delhi to attend the AI ​​Impact Summit 2026. This highlights the shared priorities that bring India and France together. The summit, which will be co-hosted by India, will focus on how artificial intelligence can serve human needs responsibly and will include officials, innovators and experts from around the world.

This official visit comes at a time when France is one of India’s most reliable strategic partners in Europe. Defense links, cultural ties and economic engagement are the pillars of a relationship that both countries say has evolved into something much deeper than routine diplomacy.

Modi and Macron expressed confidence that the momentum gained from this visit will be carried forward to future cooperation and joint achievements.