‘Delighted To Meet My Friend’: PM Modi Welcomes Macron With Hug, Handshake In Mumbai | Watch

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 16:27 IST

Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai last night for a three-day official visit from 17-19 February, at the invitation of PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of their bilateral talks in Mumbai. The two leaders shook hands, shared a warm hug, and exchanged greetings before commencing discussions at the Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.

In a post on X, PM Modi said that it was a delight to meet his “friend". He further said that Macron expressed his fondness for Mumbai and had also enjoyed a 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!" he said.

Both leaders later held bilateral talks. The meeting is aimed at reviewing the progress of the India-France strategic partnership and exploring avenues to deepen cooperation across key sectors. The meeting is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties between India and France, with discussions likely to focus on strategic cooperation, trade, defence collaboration, and global issues of mutual interest.

Earlier in the day, Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris.

Macron arrived in Mumbai last night for a three-day official visit from 17-19 February, at the invitation of PM Modi. He was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

(With inputs from agencies)

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