French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Maharashtra’s Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled three-day visit to India.
This is Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first visit to Mumbai.
The French President and the First Lady were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport.
Quote of the day from Emmanuel Macron
Before landing in Mumbai, Macron tagged his “dear friend”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of a bilateral meeting between the two leaders scheduled for today.
“On the way to India! Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to take our strategic partnership even further. On board with me: business leaders and economic, industrial, cultural and digital players who give real, tangible life to the ties between India and France. Together we will take our cooperation even further. See you tomorrow, my dear friend Narendra Modi,” Macron wrote.
What does the quote mean?
In this quote, Macron expresses optimism during his visit and his intention to strengthen relations between India and France. It also means a friendly, personal note highlighting his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Macron is in India on a three-day trip with business leaders and representatives from the industrial, cultural and digital sectors. During his visit to India, he signals his intention to sign agreements and expand cooperation
What is Macron on the agenda?
Macron will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Lok Bhawan in Mumbai today. The two leaders are expected to exchange a memorandum of understanding followed by a press statement, it said Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Indo-French Innovation Forum will be held at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, followed by the Indo-French Year of Innovation and Cultural Remembrance at the Gateway of India.
At the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi
President Macron will attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on January 19. He will arrive in Delhi on January 18.
Macron is among the heads of state, policy makers and AI leaders around the world who will attend the conference AI Impact summitwhich began on Monday at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Together, we will advance our cooperation even further.
The French leader’s visit comes as India seeks to diversify and deepen strategic ties beyond long-term suppliers military equipment.
Last week, India approved a $40 billion arms purchase, including 114 French fighter jets and missiles, Bloomberg News reported.
Macron’s visit to India follows Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in February 2025 and reflects mutual trust and depth Strategic partnership between India and Franceand also the joint commitment of both countries to deepen it further.
PM Modi was the guest of honour Bastille Day parade in July 2023, before the French President attended the 2024 Republic Day parade as the chief guest.