Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron touched down in Mumbai on Tuesday, setting the stage for high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at deepening the India–France Strategic Partnership.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis personally received the visiting leader at the airport. In a post on X, Fadnavis extended a warm welcome to President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, saying Maharashtra was honoured to host the French delegation and wished them a successful stay.
VIDEO | French President Emmanuel Macron arrives at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. He will be meeting PM Narendra Modi tomorrow during his three-day visit.
(Source: AFP/PTI)#EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/rb0ZyikqmZ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 16, 2026
He added that Governor Acharya Devvrat, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, along with ministers and senior officials, were present to receive the dignitary.
Modi Calls Macron a ‘Dear Friend’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed Macron, expressing optimism about the visit. In his message on X, Modi said he looked forward to productive discussions that would further elevate bilateral cooperation and contribute to global progress.
Referring to Macron as a “dear friend,” the Prime Minister wrote that he would meet the French President in Mumbai before continuing engagements in New Delhi.
Focus on Strategic Partnership
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders are expected to review progress in the India–France Strategic Partnership and exchange views on key regional and global developments.
President Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi and will also participate in the AI Impact Summit being hosted by India.
