French President Emmanuel Macron's three-day visit to India, which commenced on February 17, 2026, is underscored by the nearing finalization of a historic defense deal involving the purchase of over 100 Rafale fighter jets, valued at approximately $35 billion. This deal, described as the largest-ever for New Delhi and Dassault Aviation, is expected to significantly bolster strategic ties between the two nations. The Indian defense ministry has confirmed that the majority of these jets will be manufactured in India, aligning with the country's initiative to reduce its reliance on Russian military equipment. Macron's arrival in Mumbai was met with a warm welcome from Indian officials, and he expressed optimism about the outcomes of his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, 'Through this visit, we seek to further strengthen cooperation' (Dawn, February 17, 2026).