French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai in preparation for his upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which they will assess the advancements made in the strategic partnership between India and France.
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the French leader at the Mumbai airport. Deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were in attendance to extend a warm welcome to Macron.
“Bienvenue à Mumbai! A very warm welcome to the President of France, H.E. Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron as they arrive in Mumbai! Maharashtra welcomes you! Wishing Hon President Macron and the entire French delegation a pleasant stay and a successful visit,” Fadnavis posted on X around 2 am, shortly after Macron landed in Mumbai.
The two leaders will engage in discussions on matters of regional and global significance, as well as evaluate the advancements achieved in the strategic partnership between India and France.
President Macron is currently engaged in an official visit to India spanning from February 17 to 19. This visit was extended by Prime Minister Modi, with the aim of having President Macron participate in the AI Impact Summit organized by India.
Additionally, the two leaders are scheduled to convene for a bilateral summit in Mumbai during this visit.
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As he boarded the flight for India, Macron had posted on X: "En route to India! Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to take our strategic partnership even further. On board with me: business leaders and the economic, industrial, cultural and digital players who give real, tangible life to the ties between India and France”.
“Together, we will go even further in our cooperation. See you tomorrow, my dear friend @NarendraModi!" Modi and Macron's discussions will focus on cementing the strategic ties and further diversifying them into new and emerging areas.
President Macron's fourth trip to India marks his inaugural visit to Mumbai. The two leaders are scheduled to engage in bilateral discussions at Lok Bhavan in South Mumbai.
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Following this, they will officially launch the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and deliver speeches to an audience comprised business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and other innovators from both nations.