French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai ahead of high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking another major step in strengthening bilateral relations between India and France. The French leader was formally received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with senior state leaders. The visit reflects growing diplomatic, economic, and strategic cooperation between the two nations across defense, technology, trade, and innovation sectors.
Soon after landing, Fadnavis welcomed Macron publicly, calling the visit an important moment for Maharashtra and India, and wished the French delegation a productive stay. Macron also shared a message while en route, noting that business leaders and key figures from economic, industrial, cultural, and digital fields were accompanying him — a clear signal that the trip goes beyond protocol and into real investment and long-term cooperation. The French President emphasized that both countries aim to push their partnership into new and emerging areas, not just maintain existing agreements.
During the three-day official visit, Macron and Modi are set to review the progress of the India-France strategic partnership while exchanging views on regional and global challenges. The leaders will hold bilateral meetings in South Mumbai, jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, and interact with entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders from both sides. This marks Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first to Mumbai — underlining how central India has become in France’s global diplomatic and economic strategy.
