Macron, Modi To Launch India-France Year of Innovation 2026 As French President Heads To Delhi For AI Summit

Just last year during the same time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had travelled to Paris for AI Action Summit, and met French President Emmanuel Macron. This time, it is the other way round, with Macron scheduled to travel to New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit 2026 this week.

French President Macron is travelling to India this week to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, marking a high-profile moment in the fast-evolving India–France technology partnership. His visit comes exactly a year after PM Modi travelled to Paris to co-chair the AI Action Summit alongside Macron.

This reciprocal gesture underscores a deepening coordination between the two nations on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Macron’s February 16-19 visit, his fourth to India, will blend strategic dialogue, technology diplomacy and cultural outreach, reflecting the broad scope of the bilateral relationship.

Macron India visit: Why is he attending the AI Impact Summit?

Macron’s participation in the AI Impact Summit 2026 highlights France’s commitment to shaping global AI governance alongside India, now a key voice in the Global South’s digital transformation. The summit, to be held from February 16 to 20, is the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it will be structured around three guiding principles – People, Planet and Progress – and seven thematic “chakras,” aimed at aligning technological advancement with sustainability and inclusivity.

Macron’s presence signals Paris’ intent to position itself as a co-architect of responsible AI frameworks, particularly as geopolitical competition intensifies around advanced technologies.

How does Macron’s visit build on Modi’s 2025 Paris trip?

The visit comes just around one year after Prime Minister Modi’s 2025 trip to France, where he co-chaired the AI Action Summit with French President Macron in Paris. That summit focused on ethical AI governance, innovation ecosystems and safeguarding democratic values in the digital age.

In a post on X, the French Embassy in India described the reciprocal invitations as evidence of “deep trust in the France-India partnership.” The back-to-back summits in Paris and Delhi reflect a deliberate effort by both capitals to institutionalise cooperation in artificial intelligence.

Acknowledging the importance of advancing scientific knowledge, research & innovation, and building on long-standing India-France collaboration, President Macron and PM Modi will also launch the India-France Year of Innovation, a cross-sectoral initiative.

Modi-Macron meeting: What is on the bilateral agenda?

Before heading to New Delhi for the summit, Macron will arrive in Mumbai on February 16, where he will meet Prime Minister Modi on February 17. The two leaders are expected to exchange Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), deliver a joint press statement, and participate in the India-France Innovation Forum at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

Additionally, both the leaders will also launch the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration at the Gateway of India. Following the Mumbai engagements, both leaders will travel to New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026.

The launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 will be a central highlight of the visit. The year-long initiative aims to boost collaboration in scientific research, emerging technologies, startups, academic exchanges and cross-sector innovation in both countries.

What does the ‘Year of Innovation’ signal?

The Year of Innovation 2026 is designed as a cross-sectoral programme to deepen ties in research, technology development and people-to-people exchanges. Officials say the initiative seeks to translate shared ambitions on AI into “concrete outcomes,” particularly in ethical AI governance, inclusive digital innovation, responsible deployment of advanced technologies, joint research and startup collaboration.

The programme will run throughout 2026 in both countries, reinforcing long-standing cooperation across defence, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action and education.

Macron’s visit comes at a time of rapid global debate over AI regulation, technological sovereignty and supply chain resilience. Both India and France have championed “strategic autonomy”,seeking diversified partnerships while maintaining independent decision-making in a multipolar world.

The French Embassy noted that the visit reaffirms both countries’ commitment to multilateralism and balanced global governance frameworks, particularly in emerging and critical technologies. Macron’s fourth visit to India signals sustained political momentum at the highest level.

Why does the AI Impact Summit matter globally?

By hosting the first global AI summit in the Global South, India is positioning itself as a bridge between advanced economies and developing nations in shaping the future of AI governance.

Macron’s attendance strengthens that positioning, aligning Paris and New Delhi as co-stakeholders in defining global norms around artificial intelligence.