Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 17 (HBTV): The financial capital welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron for a high-profile visit blending intensive diplomacy with celebrations marking the growing India-France strategic partnership.
The visit, which began late Monday evening, marks a significant moment in bilateral relations, with discussions expected to cover global security, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
Detailing the itinerary, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the engagement as reflecting a ‘beautiful partnership’ between the two nations.
‘The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has arrived in the city of Mumbai. He arrived yesterday late in the evening. There are two aspects to his visit to India this time. One, he will be holding bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi later this afternoon here in Mumbai, and thereafter, he travels to Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit,’ Jaiswal stated.
He emphasised that the discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron would highlight the depth and diversity of cooperation between New Delhi and Paris.
‘There’s so much that is happening between India and France, two strategic partners in the fields of digital technology, innovation, student mobility, culture, defence, security, green pathways, and much more. All these issues will come up for discussion when the two leaders meet this afternoon,’ he added.
Following the official engagements, events celebrating India-France collaboration in innovation and culture are scheduled, including a programme at the Gateway of India.
‘Thereafter, we’ll have the celebration of India-France collaboration in the field of innovation. There are several programmes to celebrate this beautiful partnership, and of course, we have a colourful delight awaiting you at the Gateway of India,’ Jaiswal noted.
Earlier in the day, President Macron joined morning walkers in Mumbai, jogging alongside security personnel, including French and Indian officials. The activity proceeded with minimal disruption from media and locals. Wearing a navy blue T-shirt and black sunglasses, Macron continued his fitness routine ahead of official meetings.
In a solemn moment during the visit, President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Commonly referred to as 26/11, the coordinated attacks by 10 terrorists began on November 26, 2008, and over four days left 166 people dead and more than 300 injured across multiple locations in the city.
Welcoming the French President on his fourth visit to India, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, ‘Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron.’
The French delegation, which is in India until February 19, was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Highlighting the strategic dimension of the visit, Jaiswal said both leaders will launch the ‘Year of Innovation 2026’, aimed at imparting further momentum to the India-France strategic partnership.
Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in defence, trade, technology, clean energy, and strategic sectors, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Both leaders will later travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. The summit marks a major global AI event hosted in the Global South and is structured around three pillars — People, Planet, and Progress.
The engagement builds on discussions held in February 2025, when Prime Minister Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris.
(ANI)