New Delhi, February 17 – French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India on Tuesday, aiming to deepen ties and strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.
He was warmly welcomed at Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Macron, and together they will launch the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.
Welcoming President Macron, the MEA posted on X: "This visit will further strengthen the vibrant India-France strategic partnership."
Earlier, Macron posted on his social media platform X: "On my way to India! Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to take our strategic partnership even further. I'm traveling with business leaders and the economic, industrial, cultural, and digital players who bring 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 Narendra Modi," he added.
President Macron's visit comes at the invitation of PM Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit being hosted by India. During the visit, Macron will also attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on February 19.
Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron are scheduled to meet in Mumbai on Tuesday to assess the progress achieved under the India-France strategic partnership and exchange views on key regional and global developments.
The French President will be on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19. This marks President Macron's fourth visit to India and his first official engagement in Mumbai.
At approximately 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will hold bilateral talks at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.
According to the Prime Minister's Office, the discussions 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.
