Argus News - Macron Arrives in Mumbai to Strengthen Strategic Partnership, Launch Innovation Year with PM Modi

Mumbai, Feb 17: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India on Tuesday to deepen strategic ties and will join Prime Minister Narendra Modi in launching the Year of Innovation.

He was extended a warm welcome at Mumbai airport by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis and 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 India – France Year of Innovation 2026

Welcoming the French President, the MEA took to X, stating, “The visit will impart further momentum to the vibrant India–France strategic partnership."

Towards a stronger India-France strategic partnership!

Warm welcome to the President @EmmanuelMacron of the French Republic. He was warmly received by Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat @ADevvrat at the Mumbai airport.

During the visit, PM @narendramodi… pic.twitter.com/s7ICeMYeA5

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) February 16, 2026

Earlier, Macron took to his social media platform X and posted : "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 Narendra Modi," he added.

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.… pic.twitter.com/k3Q9fSckWs

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 16, 2026

President Macron's visit comes at the invitation of PM Modi to take part 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 set 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 trip 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 3:15pm 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.

Also Read: PM Modi Inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi

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.

(IANS)