French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Mumbai for a major go to that underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and France. The journey, mixing diplomacy with cultural celebrations, commenced late on Monday night and highlights cooperation throughout a number of sectors.
Ministry of Exterior Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the connection as a “lovely partnership.” He outlined the packed itinerary, together with bilateral talks between Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Mumbai.
Following the discussions, the leaders will proceed to Delhi for the AI Affect Summit. Jaiswal emphasised the breadth of collaboration, spanning digital know-how, innovation, scholar mobility, tradition, defence, safety, inexperienced pathways, and extra.
In a lighter second, Macron shocked locals by becoming a member of morning walkers in Mumbai. Wearing a navy blue T-shirt and black sun shades, he jogged alongside French and Indian safety personnel, sustaining minimal disruption.
The go to additionally featured a solemn tribute. Macron and First Girl Brigitte Macron paid respects to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror assaults, generally known as 26/11, the place 10 terrorists killed 166 individuals and injured 300 over 4 days.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Macron on his fourth go to to India through a submit on X. He expressed eagerness to raise bilateral ties, stating confidence that their talks would bolster cooperation and contribute to world progress.
The delegation was obtained at Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The go to extends by 19 February, with key bulletins anticipated.
A spotlight would be the launch of the “Yr of Innovation 2026” by the 2 leaders. This initiative goals to inject recent momentum into the partnership, specializing in defence, commerce, know-how, clear vitality, and strategic ties.
Emphasis falls on synthetic intelligence and rising applied sciences. Macron and Modi will attend the AI Affect Summit 2026 in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, working from 16 to twenty February.
The summit, the primary main world AI occasion within the International South, rests on three pillars: Folks, Planet, and Progress. Macron’s involvement indicators robust mutual dedication to forward-looking collaboration.
This engagement builds on prior foundations. Final 12 months, in February 2025, Modi and Macron co-chaired the AI Motion Summit in Paris, paving the way in which for right now’s discussions. Public celebrations will cap the Mumbai leg. On the iconic Gateway of India, a significant program will showcase India-France innovation ties, promising a “vibrant delight.”
The go to thus weaves diplomacy, remembrance, health, and festivity right into a roadmap for enhanced ties. It positions India and France as pivotal gamers in world safety, know-how, and sustainable progress.
ANI
