PM Modi meets French President Emmanuel Macron at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron at Lok Bhawan in Mumbai, as the European leader arrived in the coastal city on Tuesday for a three-day visit.

The state visit is aimed at deepening strategic, technological and defence cooperation between India and France. Delegation-level talks are underway between the two nations and MoUs are expected to be exchanged shortly.

Earlier, after landing in Mumbai, Macron paid tributes to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks at the Taj Hotel. “To their families and loved ones, and to India: France stands with you. In the face of terrorism, unity and determination,” he wrote on X.

The French President and First Lady Brigitte Macron were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport.

According to several geopolitical experts, the meeting between the two global leaders will prioritize defense cooperation and trade, as both leaders would be reviewing the current progress of the India-France strategic partnership and outline a roadmap for future collaboration.

Nearly 12 agreements and MoUs are expected to be signed between the two nations spanning defense, trade, healthcare, vocational training, and supply chains, marking a significant expansion of the strategic and economic partnership.

The two leaders are also said to exchange their views on regional and global issues, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting a growing strategic convergence. 

Following their engagements in Mumbai, the delegation will travel to Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, being held at the Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20.

ALSO READ: AI Cooperation, New Rafale Deal, MoUs: French President Macron To Meet PM Modi Today- What's On Agenda