French President Emmanuel Macron is in Mumbai for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Defence, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals are key topics.

President Emmanuel Macron extended an invitation to PM Modi to participate in the G7 Summit to be hosted by France in 2026. According to a joint statement, he invited India to participate actively in the discussions and preparatory work ahead of the Summit, mainly on the key issues of tackling global macroeconomic imbalances and defining a new paradigm for international partnerships and solidarity.The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. “The elevation of the relationship will strengthen cooperation between the two countries in sectors of the future, so as to reinforce their sovereignty and decision-making autonomy, and to respond together to the major challenges confronting our world, including through cooperation between India and the European Union,” said the joint statementThey reiterated their call for reformed and effective multilateralism to sustain an equitable and peaceful international order, address pressing global challenges and prepare the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic domains. The two leaders stressed, in particular, the urgent need for the reform of the United Nations Security Council, with France reiterating support for India’s permanent membership of the Council.The two leaders also reiterated their concern over the war in Ukraine, which continued to cause “immense human suffering and negative global consequences”.“They stressed the importance of cessation of hostilities and expressed support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law, including independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said the statement. They also agreed to intensify joint research, co-design, co-development and co-production of advanced defence platforms, including in the field of air, naval and land systems, and emerging dual-use technologies, in line with the ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed in 2024.Building on the existing trust in high technology collaboration, both leaders agreed to constitute a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group to explore opportunities to co-develop emerging and critical technologies in identified niche areas to retain a competitive military edge, and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities.”