Macron and Modi Strengthen India-France Ties in Mumbai

French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi deepened bilateral cooperation today during Macron’s official three-day visit to India, spanning February 17 to 19. The leaders held extensive talks, addressed the media jointly, and inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, spotlighting advancements in artificial intelligence, defense, clean energy, and startups.

The day began with Macron’s arrival in Mumbai late Monday night, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron. He surprised locals with an early morning jog along Churchgate and Marine Drive, displaying his enthusiasm for the city.

In the afternoon, the two leaders met at Lok Bhavan for bilateral discussions, reviewing progress across the strategic partnership. Key outcomes included the virtual inauguration of an H125 helicopter final assembly line in Karnataka by Airbus, the renewal of defense cooperation agreements, the announcement of a joint venture between India’s Bharat Electronics Limited and France’s Safran to produce Hammer missiles in India, and the reciprocal deployment of military officers between the Indian Army and French Land Forces.

Following the talks and a joint press conference, Modi and Macron traveled together by car to subsequent events. Prime Minister Modi posted on X in both English and French: “After the talks and press statements at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, President Macron and I are on the way to the other programmes, which include the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai. @EmmanuelMacron.” This “car diplomacy” moment, captured in widely shared photos, symbolized the warm personal rapport between the two leaders.