Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron convened a high-level bilateral meeting at Mumbai’s Lok Bhavan on Tuesday, accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and other senior officials. The leaders shared a warm greeting before beginning their discussions, reflecting the strong rapport between the two nations.
Posting on X, PM Modi noted, “It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He mentioned enjoying the city and his morning run earlier today.” According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the talks focused on reviewing progress under the India-France Strategic Partnership, with an emphasis on strengthening cooperation and exploring collaboration in emerging and future-oriented sectors. Both leaders also exchanged views on pressing regional and global challenges.
Later in the day, PM Modi and President Macron jointly inaugurated the ‘India-France Year of Innovation 2026,’ addressing an audience of business leaders, startup founders, researchers, and innovators from both countries. Demonstrating solidarity, President Macron paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, including two French nationals, while reaffirming France’s strong stance against terrorism and support for India.
Upon his arrival, President Macron was warmly received at Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Acharya Devvrat. PM Modi extended a warm welcome, expressing confidence that deeper India-France cooperation will advance global progress. In his social media post, Modi wrote, “India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident our discussions will strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend Emmanuel Macron.”
President Macron’s visit, at the invitation of PM Modi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, marks his fourth trip to India and his first official engagement in Mumbai. Coming after PM Modi’s visit to France in February 2025, the visit underscores the mutual trust and depth of the India-France Strategic Partnership, highlighting both countries’ shared commitment to further strengthening their collaborative relationship.
