Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. The two leaders shared a warm embrace before beginning their discussions at Lok Bhavan, underscoring the close personal rapport and strategic depth of India-France ties. After the meeting, PM Modi said, “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!” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the India-France ties as a “beautiful partnership,” highlighting the wide-ranging cooperation between the two nations. He said the leaders would launch the “Year of Innovation 2026,” aimed at deepening collaboration in emerging technologies and research. “There’s so much happening between India and France – in digital technology, innovation, student mobility, culture, defence, security and green pathways. All these issues will come up for discussion,” Jaiswal noted.
President Macron arrived in Mumbai late Monday evening and was received at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were also present. On Tuesday morning, Macron surprised Mumbaikars by joining local residents for a jog, accompanied by security personnel. Wearing a navy blue T-shirt and sunglasses, he maintained his fitness routine ahead of a packed diplomatic schedule.
Seeing President Macron out for a run on the streets of Mumbai, two things stand out:
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) February 17, 2026
1. No visible convoy, minimal security, just blending into the city and doing his thing.
2. The fitness level. Leadership needs stamina as public life is demanding. pic.twitter.com/h4NxIWyDCl
Thereafter, President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Newsinc24 Team





Related Items
India, Brazil set bilateral trade target of over $20 billion in 5 years
After Anthropic, OpenAI targets Mumbai, Bengaluru expansion
French President Emmanuel Macron lauds India's digital journey