New Delhi, February 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron on his fourth visit to India, expressing confidence that the trip would further strengthen bilateral ties and deepen cooperation across key sectors.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to meeting President Macron in Mumbai and later in the national capital.
“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,” he wrote.
President Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with PM Modi later in the day. The discussions are expected to focus on defence, trade, technology, clean energy and broader strategic cooperation.
The French President arrived in Mumbai, Maharashtra, for his official visit to India, which continues until February 19. He was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the visit would impart fresh momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership. He added that both leaders are set to launch the “Year of Innovation 2026” and hold detailed bilateral discussions.
Following engagements in Mumbai, the two leaders will travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. The summit marks the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South and is structured around three pillars—People, Planet and Progress.
President Macron’s participation highlights the growing collaboration between India and France in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, building on PM Modi’s co-chairing of the AI Action Summit with him in Paris in February 2025. (Agencies)
