Emmanuel Macron India Visit Live Updates: 'India–France ties have no boundaries, can reach from deep oceans to tallest mountains', says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai and held bilateral talks to strengthen India-France relations, upgrading them to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership." The two democracies announced a sweeping expansion of cooperation, unveiling more than 20 agreements.

The discussions covered crucial areas, from the production of HAMMER missiles in India to introducing AI in health at New Delhi’s AIIMS. PM Modi and Macron vowed to boost cooperation in defence, trade, and critical minerals, describing the bilateral ties as a "force for global stability" amid growing geopolitical turbulence.

French President Emmanuel Macron at India-France Innovation Forum

At the India–France Innovation Forum, French President Emmanuel Macron said, "The question is no longer whether India innovates. The question is, who will innovate with India? And France is the only clear answer. We are here. We want to be here with you. And we are not leaving. Jai ho, as we say in the famous movie. So long live the Indo-French relationship."

"Following your proposal, Mr Prime Minister, we will have this Innovation Day the day before the G7 together, led by Franco-Indian initiatives with a lot of students and researchers that we will bring together."

India-France Innovation Forum: PM Modi, Macron head to next programmes in Mumbai

'We believe in technology transfer': Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron said, "Whether it's the Rafale, submarines, or the engines for fifth-generation fighter jets, there are many areas where we are working together with India. We believe in technology transfer, and we have tried to do the same, as you desired. We both believe in strategic autonomy. You mentioned the defence sector, and I also spoke about it. But there are many other areas where our thinking is shared, even in the field of space. Our relationship in these areas has been excellent for many years. They have grown significantly stronger, and that's why, when we're hosting a summit in France in July, we've invited India to the space sector. We're also working on a common roadmap to address global challenges and find a path for the world that's distinct from hegemony."

"Aeronautics is also a key area, and the high-speed rail network is another area where we're emerging as a reliable partner...We want to ensure the best technology transfer and to achieve this, we are inaugurating the Innovation Year today with the Prime Minister of India. We want our investors, whether they are our startups, our companies, our R&D centres, or other centres, to work together."

'India and France both believe in democratic values': PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi said, "India and France both believe in democratic values, the rule of law, and a multipolar world. We are unanimous that reform of global institutions will solve global challenges. We will continue to support all efforts for peace in every region, be it Ukraine, West Asia, or the Indo-Pacific. We share a common commitment to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."

"India and France are both ancient and prosperous civilisations. We attach great importance to our cultural and people-to-people ties. We are very happy that we have a long history of mutual cooperation. We have been collaborating with France on the Jewel Museum and now we are going to collaborate with France on the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal. To bring Indian culture closer to the people of France, we are soon going to open the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in France. Your Excellency, you have a deep commitment to the India-France Partnership. I am particularly happy that today we are together starting a new chapter in our relations. Let us work together for global stability and prosperity."

From Rafale jets to submarines, defence ties expanding: French President Emmanuel Macron

'Bilateral relationship between India and France is truly remarkable and unique': French President Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron said, "I thank you for your warm welcome on my fourth official visit to India... The bilateral relationship between India and France is truly remarkable and unique. This relationship is one of trust, openness, and ambition. We have also decided today to elevate this partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership, granting it a new status. There is no doubt about that, because we have complete faith in this relationship, and we have been doing so for the past eight years. Each year, by working on different things, we have charted many new paths. For example, whether it's the Indo-Pacific region or technology, where there's no hegemony. We firmly believe in the rule of law, and we've demonstrated this over the past few years. Whether it's IMEC, which we jointly launched and or whether we're talking about artificial intelligence or the International Solar Alliance, we've taken several initiatives together over the past eight years."

'We are launching the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Today we are strengthening our cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. We are launching the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and the National Centre of Alliance for Skilling in Aeronautics. These are not just institutes, they are future-building platforms. Friends, the world is facing a period of uncertainty. In this environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability. We are combining France's expertise and India's scale. We are developing trusted technologies. We will ensure human development through the International Solar Alliance, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and joint development projects, and will continue to strengthen efforts for stability and prosperity through multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy."

India–France inaugurate helicopter assembly line for Everest-capable choppers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Today, the inauguration of the helicopter assembly line in India is another shining example of this deep trust. We are proud that India and France together will manufacture in India the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest. And this will also be exported across the world. That means the India–France partnership has no boundaries. It can reach from the deep oceans to the tallest mountains.”

PM Modi launches India-France Year of Innovation with Macron

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "With the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, we are transforming our strategic partnership into a Partnership of the People. Because innovation doesn't happen in isolation, but through collaboration. Therefore, our goal during the India-France Year of Innovation is to strengthen people-to-people connections. Whether it's defence, clean energy, space, or emerging technologies, we will connect our industries and innovators in every field. We will build strong networks between startups and MSMEs. We will facilitate exchanges between our students and researchers, and we will also establish new centres for joint innovation."

PM Modi recalls Savarkar’s Marseille escape while welcoming Macron

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I am delighted to welcome my dear friend, President Macron, to Mumbai. Last year, he invited me to the AI ​​Action Committee Summit in France. At that time, we visited Marseille, France's largest port and a major gateway to France and all of Europe. Marseille is the city from where our Indian soldiers set foot in Europe during World War I. Their saga of bravery is still remembered in many parts of Europe, and it is the same city where freedom fighter Veer Savarkar jumped into the sea to escape the British. His action symbolised his unwavering resolve for India's independence. I had the opportunity to remember and pay my respects to him in Marseille last year. This time, when President Macron is in India for the AI ​​Impact Summit, we are fortunate to welcome him in Mumbai, the gateway to India."

PM Modi & Macron hold joint presser

PM Modi, President Macron launch Tata Airbus H125 facility in Karnataka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurate the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly of Tata Airbus at Vemagal, Karnataka.

PM Narendra Modi holds delegation-level talks with French President Macron at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai

PM Modi welcomes French President Macron in Mumbai

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.

It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai

French President pays homage to 26/11 terror attack victims

Emmanuel Macron Visit Live: PM Modi reaches Lok Bhavan in Mumbai for meeting with Macron

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Maharashtra Lok Bhavan in Mumbai for his meeting with the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron. The Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat Acharya Devvrat welcomed the Prime Minister at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai.

Emmanuel Macron India Visit Live: Macron jogs at Mumbai's Marine Drive, pays homage to 26/11 attack victims

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai early on Tuesday and began his day by jogging at the iconic Marine Drive near the Coastal Road.

He and First Lady Brigitte Macron later also paid floral tributes to those killed in the November 2008 terror attack at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in south Mumbai.

The French president is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Lok Bhavan in south Mumbai, where the two leaders will review the progress made in the India-France strategic partnership.

Macron kicked off the day with a jog at the Marine Drive promenade. He was accompanied by his security personnel.

The Mumbai police also maintained tight security in the vicinity.

During the Mumbai visit, Modi and Macron's discussions will focus on cementing the strategic ties and further diversifying them into new and emerging areas.

Both leaders will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. They will review the progress made in the India-France strategic partnership.

Emmanuel Macron India Visit Live: Priyanka Chaturvedi says Macron’s visit ‘important step’ in strengthening India-France ties

MP Priyanka Chaturvedi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, emphasising that bilateral ties between the two nations have grown into a strong strategic partnership. She highlighted the progress made since 2014 and said the visit marks an important step in further strengthening cooperation, particularly in defence and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, “India and France have a long-standing relationship that has deepened over time, driven by shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based order. Since 2014, the relationship has deepened through the purchase of defence equipment, and we hope it will continue to strengthen. He is visiting on the sidelines of the AI summit and will be equally involved; he'll address it as well. We welcome him to India and hope for a stronger relationship in the time ahead.”

Emmanuel Macron India Visit Live: India, France to deepen defence ties during Macron visit; talks on 114 Rafale jets under G2G framework

France is seeking to expand its military partnership with New Delhi, with discussions likely on a possible contract for 114 additional French fighter aircraft. The visit follows New Delhi’s confirmation last week that it intends to place a major order for Rafale jets, as well as the signing of a landmark free trade agreement between India and the European Union in January.

India and France are also set to advance defence cooperation during the visit, including discussions linked to India’s plan to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework and the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru, where the two sides are expected to renew their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years.

India has over the past decade sought to reduce its dependence on Russia, its traditional main supplier of military equipment, by diversifying defence procurement and boosting domestic production.

Emmanuel Macron India Visit Live: Mumbai welcomes Macron with posters, hoardings

Posters and hoardings welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron have been put up across Mumbai as he began his official visit to India from February 16 to 19.

Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, is scheduled to hold talks with PM Modi later during the day. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in areas including defence, trade, technology, clean energy and strategic partnership.

Following engagements in Mumbai, Macron and PM Modi will travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

Emmanuel Macron India Visit Live: 'Bienvenue à Mumbai!'- Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis welcomes French president

In a post on X, Fadnavis said, “Bienvenue à Mumbai! A very warm welcome to the President of France, H.E. Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron as they arrive in Mumbai! Maharashtra welcomes you! Wishing Hon President Macron and the entire French delegation a pleasant stay and a successful visit.”

The French leader and his delegation were received at the airport by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Governor Acharya Devvrat and deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.

Emmanuel Macron India Visit Live: Rafale deal, AI, trade on table— what's on agenda

Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will hold bilateral talks in Mumbai on Tuesday afternoon to review cooperation across defence, space, nuclear energy, climate, education and emerging technologies under the Horizon 2047 roadmap, with nearly a dozen agreements expected in areas such as defence, trade, skilling, health and supply chains.

The two leaders will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, an initiative announced during Macron’s earlier engagements with Modi, including meetings in Paris in 2025 and his visits for the 2023 G20 Summit and the 2024 Republic Day celebrations.

Later in the evening, Modi and Macron will attend the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration event at the Gateway of India, where they will interact with business leaders, start-ups, researchers and innovators from both countries. READ FULL STORY

Emmanuel Macron India Visit Live: PM Modi welcomes French President Macron to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to India, saying New Delhi looked forward to his visit and to taking bilateral relations to new heights.

PM Modi was responding to a post by Macron on X in which the French leader said he was en route to India for a three-day visit to Mumbai and New Delhi, where the two leaders would further advance the countries’ strategic partnership.

"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," PM Modi wrote on X.

Macron said he was travelling with business leaders and representatives from economic, industrial, cultural and digital sectors who help bring India-France ties to life.

"En route to India! Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to take our strategic partnership even further," he said.

The French President added, "Together, we will go even further in our cooperation. See you tomorrow, my dear friend @NarendraModi!"

During the visit, PM Modi and Macron are expected to review progress in the India-France strategic partnership.

President Macron is visiting India from February 17-19 at Modi’s invitation to attend the AI Impact Summit hosted by India and to hold bilateral talks with the prime minister in Mumbai.

This is Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first to Mumbai.