"Conveys good message to youth": MEA spokesperson on French President Macron jogging in Mumbai
Mumbai, February 18
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that French President Emmanuel Macron jogging at Marine Drive in Mumbai conveyed a positive message on health to youth.
"Mumbai hosts several marathons. And to have this sort of public exposure centred around health conveys a very good message to the youth of India and the youth across the world. I think that is the sentiment with which we should take this particular idea of President Macron jogging in Mumbai," the MEA spokesperson said in a media briefing.
Earlier on Tuesday, French President Macron surprised the Mumbaikers by joining the rush of morning walkers in the city. The French President was seen jogging with a team of security personnel, including French and Indian officials.
The jog proceeded peacefully, with minimal disruption from the media and locals along the route. Wearing a navy blue T-shirt and black sunglasses, Macron decided not to disrupt his fitness routine despite being in a foreign country, ahead of a long day of diplomatic meetings.
In Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron held bilateral talks on cooperation in the industrial, defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies sectors. PM Modi said that ties between the two nations are for "global stability and progress."
In an X post, PM Modi wrote, "Held wide-ranging talks with President Macron in Mumbai. Today's meeting assumes significance because we have elevated the India-France relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. Ours is a partnership for global stability and progress. We discussed cooperation in industry, defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies. Our nations will also build strong networks between StartUps and MSMEs, facilitate student and researcher exchanges, and establish new joint innovation centres."
The French President and PM Modi jointly inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 at the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
Macron is currently on his fourth visit to India. As the Mumbai leg of bilateral talks concluded, Macron will now head to New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see the focus on health, but honestly, the real story is the strategic partnership. Defence, clean energy, space tech - that's what will truly benefit our youth with jobs and innovation. The jog is just a nice photo-op.
Marine Drive is the perfect spot! It shows he's experiencing the real Mumbai, not just the conference rooms. Hope it encourages more people to take up running. The 'Year of Innovation 2026' sounds very promising too.
As someone who lives abroad, these small, humanizing moments in diplomacy matter a lot. It builds a connection beyond politics. The partnership for global stability mentioned by PM Modi is crucial, and this jog subtly reinforces that shared, healthy foundation.
Respectfully, while the message is good, I find the MEA's comment a bit simplistic. Our youth need concrete opportunities, not just symbolic messages about health. The innovation centres and startup networks discussed are the real "good message" we should be amplifying.
Chalo, at least the security drill didn't cause a major disruption for regular morning walkers. Shows good coordination. The focus on clean energy cooperation is what I'm most happy about. Jogging is fine, but saving the planet is better!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.