PM Modi and President Macron Strengthen India-France Ties in Mumbai Ahead of AI Summit
PM Modi holds bilateral talks with French President Macron in Mumbai.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, highlighting the enduring strategic and personal rapport between India and France. The leaders shared a warm embrace before commencing discussions, signaling the strength of bilateral ties across multiple sectors.
According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the meeting underscored India-France cooperation in digital technology, defence, security, culture, and green pathways. The leaders also announced the launch of the “Year of Innovation 2026,” aimed at boosting collaboration in research and emerging technologies.
PM Modi expressed delight at hosting Macron in Mumbai, noting the French President’s appreciation for the city and his morning jog with locals. Macron’s visit builds on last year’s momentum from the AI Action Summit in Paris, reinforcing joint initiatives in advanced technologies and AI development.
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President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron also paid homage to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, demonstrating the shared commitment to remembrance and solidarity in the face of past tragedies. The visit included a reception at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, where Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the French delegation.
Following the Mumbai engagements, both leaders are scheduled to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. The event will focus on the pillars of People, Planet, and Progress, aiming to position India and France as leaders in technological innovation and sustainable development.
The summit is expected to further cement India-France collaboration, with discussions spanning AI research, student mobility, and strategic technology partnerships, reflecting a growing commitment to shared innovation and global progress.
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