Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met French President Emmanuel Macron and said that he told him he really liked Mumbai.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai. He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day.”
French President Emmanuel Macron began his official visit to Mumbai on Tuesday with a morning jog along the city’s iconic Marine Drive promenade.
Macron, who is in India from 17 to 19 February at the invitation of PM Modi, is attending the AI Impact Summit hosted by India and will also hold bilateral talks with the Prime Minister in Mumbai.
President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid floral tributes to the victims of the November 2008 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in south Mumbai.
The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in the year 2008 had targeted several key locations in the city, including the historic hotel, leaving dozens dead and many injured.
It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day! @EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/edPKuLdn0f
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2026
Bilateral talks
Macron is scheduled to meet PM Modi at Lok Bhavan in south Mumbai. The two leaders are expected to review progress in the India–France strategic partnership and discuss ways to further strengthen ties.
According to officials, the talks will focus on deepening cooperation in defence, technology and other emerging sectors. The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The French President was accompanied by security personnel during his jog at Marine Drive, while Mumbai Police maintained tight security in the area throughout his visit.
Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed Macron upon his arrival at Mumbai airport.
Fourth visit to India
This marks President Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first official visit to Mumbai. The trip underlines the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
During the Mumbai visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron are scheduled to exchange memorandums of understanding (MOUs), followed by a joint press statement.
The Hotel Taj Mahal Palace is hosting the India-France Innovation Forum, which will be followed by celebrations marking the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration at the Gateway of India.
