Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron surprises Mumbaikers with a morning jog on Marine Drive and a late-night stroll through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, highlighting India-France cooperation in defence and technology.

Speaking at the India–France Innovation Forum, Macron said India was not merely participating in global innovation but actively leading it.

French President Emmanuel Macron added a personal touch to his Mumbai visit by meeting some of Bollywood’s most celebrated stars, creating a warm, memorable moment beyond diplomacy. Accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, the gathering celebrated the shared power of culture and storytelling.

Referring to the helicopter assembly line inaugurated during the visit, PM Modi said, “Today inaugurating helicopter assembly line is testament to such deep trust.”

The two leaders greeted each other warmly, sharing a hug before proceeding to discussions expected to cover strategic cooperation, defence ties, trade, and pressing global concerns of shared interest.

French President Emmanuel Macron enjoyed a quiet early-morning jog on Mumbai’s Marine Drive before his official India visit meetings with PM Modi.

Beyond the expected focus on Rafale fighter jets, India and France are likely to sign a memorandum of understanding for the joint production of Hammer missiles.

PM Modi will on Tuesday travel to Mumbai to meet the French President, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office

Ahead of departure, Macron said he was travelling to “take our strategic partnership even further,” accompanied by business leaders, as the two sides prepare to review bilateral ties, launch the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, and engage with industry and startups.

The visit comes amid broader economic engagement, including the recent signing of a landmark India-European Union free trade agreement and growing bilateral trade valued at approximately €15 billion annually

The traffic arrangements are being made for an event under IFYI to be held at the Gateway of India in South Mumbai

The visit comes just days after India cleared a long-pending proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a government-to-government framework with France

During the visit, Emanuel Macron will hold wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attend the AI Impact Summit, according to the MEA.

If executed as planned, the deal will not only address the Indian Air Force’s urgent need for new fighters but also anchor India as a major global production, maintenance and upgrade hub for one of the world’s most capable combat aircraft.

The deal, estimated at around Rs 3.25 lakh crore, is set to become the largest defence procurement in India's history

India is set to clear a Rs 3.25 lakh crore deal for 114 Rafale F4 fighters from France. Here’s a clear breakdown of numbers, cost, delivery and impact.

Framing the move as a matter of child protection rather than censorship, Macron said the digital economy must not be allowed to exploit young minds.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the US–Greenland dispute has jolted Europe into reassessing its security, urging greater sovereignty, Arctic engagement and faster defence rearmament amid strained transatlantic ties.

Wearing sunglasses indoors, as Macron did, takes confidence — and some observers say he carried off the exercise with aplomb.

At Davos 2026, Trump said the US will no longer “subsidise the whole world,” defending tariffs and lowering drug costs.