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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he was "delighted" to meet his friend, French President Emmanuel Macron, in Mumbai, as part of the latter's fourth visit to the country.
In a post on X, PM Modi also stated that the French President shared his experience in India's financial capital, noting that Macron liked the city and enjoyed his morning run earlier in the day. "It's a delight to meet my friend, President Macron, in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!" the Prime Minister stated in his post on X. The two leaders met at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai ahead of their bilateral talks, where they reviewed key aspects of the India-France strategic partnership. They were also seen sharing a warm exchange as they greeted each other. Earlier today, at the start of the morning rush in Mumbai, the French President surprised Mumbaikers by joining the morning walkers. The French President was seen jogging with a team of 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 decided not to disrupt his fitness routine despite being in a foreign country, ahead of a long day of diplomatic meetings with PM Modi. On the same day, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival. The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with President Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris. Welcoming the French President on his fourth visit to India, PM Narendra Modi, earlier, expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties to new heights. In a separate post on X ahead of their meeting, PM Modi shared his anticipation for the visit, stating, "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron." The high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. PM Modi and the French President will later travel to the national capital to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. The event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South and is anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. President Macron's participation underscores the importance both nations attach to future-focused cooperation. This engagement builds on the groundwork laid in February 2025, when PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris, further solidifying the Franco-Indian lead in the global technological landscape. (ANI)
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