Modi-Macron meet in Mumbai: Trade, defence talks top agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai to strengthen India-France ties through discussions on trade expansion, defence cooperation, and clean energy initiatives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday, February 17, to discuss key mutual interests and bolster India-France ties.

The bilateral talks will be centered on trade expansion, defense pacts like Rafale Marine procurement, and clean energy projects. Both leaders aimed to elevate partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, with Macron visiting Mumbai's industrial sites to highlight French tech investments.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on a three-day visit with First Lady Brigitte Macron, marking his fourth India visit and first to the city.

They were received by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Governor Acharya Devvrat. PM Narendra Modi traveled from Delhi to Mumbai for the bilateral meeting at Lok Bhavan, ahead of inaugurating the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron's meeting will deepen India-France ties, focusing on strategic cooperation, trade, defense deals, and shared global concerns.

Earlier today, PM Modi welcomed French President Macron, heshared his anticipation for the visit, stating, "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."

Earlier, Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron honored the 2008 Mumbai terror attack victims, symbolizing solidarity against terrorism and highlighting shared resilience between New Delhi and Paris.

The delegation, in India until February 19, was welcomed in Mumbai by Governor Acharya Devvrat and CM Devendra Fadnavis. The leaders will launch the "Year of Innovation 2026," boosting the strategic partnership, per MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Apart from the bilaterla talks, 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue 2026, will be held in Bnegaluru, renewing the bilateral defense pact for 10 years and emphasizing industrial collaboration.