Macron Hails India Ties as He Pushes Fighter Jet Deal With Modi

WATCH: Modi says the India-France partnership is one of “stability” and “progress.” Speaking in Mumbai, he also hails a joint venture for the assembly of a military helicopters.Source: Indian Prime Minister’s YouTube channel

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By Ania Nussbaum and Sudhi Ranjan Sen

February 17, 2026 at 6:29 AM UTC

Updated on

February 17, 2026 at 3:46 PM UTC

French President Emmanuel Macron pushed for closer economic ties with India to protect against global uncertainty, and pulled out all the stops during his high profile visit to the country to persuade Prime Minister Narendra Modi to buy fighter jets.

Macron hailed ties between the two countries during a meeting with Modi in Mumbai on Tuesday, saying it was a “partnership for global stability” in a turbulent world. Both leaders announced a raft of measures after their talks, including steps to deepen their strategic relationship, an agreement to avoid double taxation, closer defense ties and cooperation on critical minerals.