Mumbai, February 17 – French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks on Tuesday as he began his visit to India. Macron is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day.
Both leaders will launch the "India-France Year of Innovation 2026" as the French President's visit is set to further strengthen the vibrant strategic partnership between the two countries.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to Macron upon his arrival in India and expressed confidence that strengthening India-France cooperation will contribute to global progress.
The French President was warmly welcomed at the Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Acharya Devvrat.
Welcoming President Macron, Prime Minister Modi said, "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 Emmanuel Macron," Prime Minister Modi added.
President Macron's visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit being hosted by India.
During his stay, the two leaders will also hold a bilateral summit in Mumbai. This marks President Macron's fourth visit to India and his first official engagement in Mumbai.
According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Macron will include a comprehensive review of advancements made under the India-France Strategic Partnership.
The deliberations are expected to focus on further strengthening the strategic relationship and expanding cooperation into emerging and future-oriented sectors. The two leaders will also exchange perspectives on significant regional and global issues, the PMO said in an official statement.
Later in the day, at around 5:15 p.m., Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the "India-France Year of Innovation 2026".
They will also address an audience comprising business leaders, start-up founders, researchers, and innovators from both countries.
