Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with French President Emmanuel Macron at Lok Bhavan in South Mumbai. During the joint press conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Macron as a dear friend and said he was delighted to welcome the French President to Mumbai.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a joint press conference, “Today we are strengthening our cooperation in essential minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. We are launching the Indo-French Center for AI in Health, the Indo-French Center for Digital Science and Technology, and the National Center of Alliance for Skilling in Aeronautics.” Modi said, “These are not just institutions, they are platforms that build the future. Friends, the world is going through 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 reliable technologies.”
Modi said, “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.” Modi said that, last year, Macron invited him 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.
Modi said, Marseille is the city from where our Indian soldiers entered 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 act was a symbol of his determination for India’s independence.
PM Modi said, “I had the opportunity to remember him and pay my tribute 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 of India.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “With the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, we are transforming our strategic partnership into a people-to-people partnership. Because innovation happens not by working alone, but by working together.” Therefore, during the India-France Year of Innovation, our goal is to strengthen people-to-people connections. Whether it’s defense, clean energy, space, or new technologies, we will connect our industries and innovators in every sector.
Modi said, “We will build strong networks between startups and MSMEs. We will facilitate transactions between our students and researchers, and we will also create new centers for joint innovation.”
Meanwhile, PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the final assembly of the Tata Airbus H125 light utility helicopter in Vemagal, Karnataka.
In his media statement, the Prime Minister said, “India and France have a special relationship. France is one of India’s oldest strategic partners. Together with President Macron, we have given this strategic partnership unprecedented depth and energy.”
He said, “Based on this trust and shared vision, today we are establishing our (bilateral) relationship as a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership.'” Modi also mentioned the H-125 helicopter assembly line.
He said, “We are proud that both countries will jointly manufacture the world’s only helicopter in India, capable of flying to the height of Mount Everest (the world’s highest mountain peak), and it will be exported worldwide.”
He said, “2026 marks a turning point in relations between India and Europe. Just a few days ago, we signed the largest and most ambitious free trade agreement (FTA) in India’s history with the European Union.”
The Prime Minister described India-France relations as an important factor in global stability. He said, “Currently, the world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India-France partnership is an important factor in global stability.”
Macron, meanwhile, said that India is one of France’s most trusted partners. He said, “From Rafale fighter jets to submarines, we are expanding defense cooperation.” He said, “Both countries strongly believe in the rule of law, and this has been proven over the past few years.” Macron said that India and France will continue to cooperate to combat terrorism.
The discussions between Modi and Macron focused on strengthening strategic ties and expanding them into new and emerging areas. The two leaders also discussed issues of regional and global importance and reviewed progress in the India-France strategic partnership.
President Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. He will participate in the AI Impact Summit being held in India and hold a bilateral summit with Modi in Mumbai.
This is President Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first to Mumbai. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed him at the Mumbai airport.
Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai early Tuesday morning and began his day by jogging on Marine Drive near Coastal Road. Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron later paid floral tributes to those killed in the November 2008 terrorist attack at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in South Mumbai. Macron began his day by jogging on Marine Drive, accompanied by his security personnel. Mumbai Police also maintained tight security in the surrounding area.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that India is excited about French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit and the potential to take bilateral relations to new heights. Modi made this comment while commenting on a post by Macron on X.
