Ahead of official meetings, motorcades and busy schedules, French President Emmanuel Macron began his visit to India with an unexpectedly quiet moment in Mumbai — by going for a morning jog along the city’s iconic Marine Drive.
Just hours after landing in Mumbai early on Tuesday, Macron slipped out of his hotel with minimal fuss and decided to experience the city as many Mumbaikars do. Dressed in a simple athletic T-shirt, black shorts and running shoes, the French leader jogged along the curved promenade as the Arabian Sea shimmered in the background.
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Security personnel followed them at a discreet distance, allowing the president to blend into the morning rhythm of the city. Regular walkers and runners initially went about their routines before realizing they were sharing a path with the head of a major world power. Videos and photos of the moment quickly surfaced online, prompting a wave of reactions from Indian social media users who described the sight as “surreal”, “refreshing” and “unexpectedly relatable”.
Marine Drive, often called the Queen’s Necklace, is known for its quiet mornings and energetic evenings. Many Indian readers struck Macron’s tightrope walk as a reminder of how world leaders are increasingly favoring informal, human moments over tightly scripted public appearances — especially when visiting India.
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Macron’s visit to India begins
President Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday as part of his official visit to India from February 16 to 19. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France.
At the Mumbai airport, Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.
Fadnavis welcomed the French leader at X: “Bienvenue à Mumbai! A very warm welcome to French President HE Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron on their arrival in Mumbai! Welcome to Maharashtra! We wish Hon President Macron and the entire French delegation a pleasant stay and a successful visit.”
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Posters and posters welcoming Macron were put up across Mumbai as the city marked the start of his visit.
Why this visit matters
Political leaders also weighed in on the significance of Macron’s trip. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said the visit comes at a pivotal moment in Indo-French relations, which have steadily deepened over the past decade.
Speaking to ANI, she said, “India and France have a long-standing relationship that has deepened over time, driven by shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based order. Since 2014, the relationship has deepened through the purchase of defense equipment and we hope it will continue to strengthen. He is visiting on the sidelines of the AI Summit and will be equally involved; we hope to welcome him and welcome him in the near future.” India.”
After his engagements in Mumbai, Macron is expected to travel to New Delhi with Prime Minister Modi to attend India’s AI Impact Summit 2026. Discussions during the visit are likely to cover defense cooperation, trade, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, clean energy and broader strategic alignment.