India-France ties in focus as President Macron meets PM Modi, MEA hails ‘beautiful partnership’

Further strengthening the India-France strategic partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held delegation-level talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai at the Maharashtra Lok Bhavan. The two leaders led their respective delegations in discussions covering a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

The meeting comes as part of President Macron's fourth visit to India.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that he was “delighted” to meet his friend, French President Macron.

In a post on X, PM Modi also stated that the French President shared his experience in India’s financial capital, noting that Macron liked the city and enjoyed his morning run earlier in the day.

“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!” the Prime Minister stated in his post on X.

The two leaders met at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai ahead of their talks, where they reviewed key aspects of the India-France strategic partnership. They were also seen sharing a warm exchange as they greeted each other.

MEA hails ‘beautiful partnership’

Detailing the itinerary and underlining the scope of the engagement, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted what he described as 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 said.

Expanding on the agenda, the spokesperson emphasised that the upcoming discussions between the two leaders would reflect 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, the fields of innovation, student mobility, culture, defence, security, green pathways, and a lot more. All these issues will come up for discussion when the two leaders meet this afternoon," he added.

Bollywood touch to President Macron’s visit

President Macron added a touch of cinematic glamour to his diplomatic visit to Mumbai, holding a special interaction with Bollywood celebrities.

The French leader and First Lady Brigitte Macron met prominent figures of Indian cinema including actors like Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha and Shabana Azmi.

Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar also joined the special meeting along with Grammy Award-winning musician Ricky Kej.

Taking to his official X handle, Macron shared pictures of their gathering, showing the leader interacting with the celebrities. “Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together,” he wrote in the caption.

Actor Anil Kapoor also shared glimpses of the meeting on his X handle and wrote, “Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France. Here's to India x France. And to many more stories waiting to be told.”

An early morning Mumbai jog by French President Macron

Earlier on Tuesday, at the start of the morning rush in Mumbai, the French President surprised Mumbaikers by joining the morning walkers.

The French President was seen jogging with a team of security personnel, including French and Indian officials.

The jog proceeded peacefully, with minimal disruption from the media and locals along the route. On the same day, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival.

The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with President Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris.

Welcoming the French President on his fourth visit to India, PM Narendra Modi, earlier, expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties to new heights.

In a separate post on X ahead of their meeting, PM Modi shared his anticipation for the visit, stating, "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 high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

What lies ahead of President Macron?

PM Modi and the French President will later travel to the national capital to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20.

The event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South and is anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress.

President Macron's participation underscores the importance both nations attach to future-focused cooperation.

This engagement builds on the groundwork laid in February 2025, when PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris, further solidifying the Franco-Indian lead in the global technological landscape.

(With inputs from ANI)