MUMBAI: The financial capital welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron for a high-profile visit that blends intensive diplomacy with a grand celebration of the growing India-France strategic partnership.
The visit, which began late Monday evening, marks a significant moment in bilateral relations, with a focus on issues ranging from global security to artificial intelligence.
Detailing the itinerary and underlining the scope of the engagement, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted what he described as a “beautiful partnership” between the two nations.
“The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has arrived in the city of Mumbai. He arrived yesterday late in the evening. There are two aspects to his visit to India this time. One, he will be holding bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi later this afternoon here in Mumbai, and thereafter, he travels to Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit,” Jaiswal stated.
Expanding on the agenda, the spokesperson emphasised that the upcoming discussions between the two leaders would reflect the depth and diversity of cooperation between New Delhi and Paris.
“There’s so much that is happening between India and France, two strategic partners in the fields of digital technology, the fields of innovation, student mobility, culture, defence, security, green pathways, and a lot more. All these issues will come up for discussion when the two leaders meet this afternoon,” he added.
Following the diplomatic engagements, attention will shift toward symbolic and public-facing events celebrating collaboration between the two countries. The iconic Gateway of India is set to host a major cultural and innovation-themed programme.
“Thereafter, we’ll have the celebration of India-France collaboration in the field of innovation. There are several programs to celebrate this beautiful partnership, and of course, we have a colourful delight awaiting you at the Gateway of India,” Jaiswal noted.
As the visit commenced, President Macron surprised Mumbaikers by joining the rush of morning walkers in the city. He was seen jogging alongside security personnel, including French and Indian officials.
The jog proceeded peacefully, with minimal disruption from the media and locals along the route. Wearing a navy blue T-shirt and black sunglasses, Macron maintained his fitness routine ahead of a long day of diplomatic meetings.
