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Macron's Morning Jog at Mumbai's Marine Drive Surprises Locals

French President Emmanuel Macron took an unexpected morning jog along Mumbai's iconic Marine Drive promenade, surprising early risers. He interacted friendly with locals, including a boy who greeted him in French, offering smiles and a thumbs-up. The spontaneous run provided a refreshing break from his official diplomatic schedule during his visit to India. Witnesses appreciated the unassuming way he connected with people, setting aside formal protocols.

Key Points: Macron Jogs at Mumbai's Marine Drive During India Visit

  • Spontaneous jog along iconic promenade
  • Friendly interactions with surprised locals
  • Break from high-stakes diplomatic schedule
  • Unassuming moment caught Mumbaikars unawares
  • Security detail adjusted to public setting
2 min read

French President Macron turns heads with morning jog at Mumbai's Marine Drive

French President Emmanuel Macron took a spontaneous morning run along Marine Drive, surprising Mumbaikars and sharing friendly moments before high-stakes diplomacy.

"Bonjour, Monsieur le President! - young boy to Macron"

Mumbai, Feb 17

French President Emmanuel Macron, known for his active lifestyle, took advantage of the pleasant Mumbai morning on Tuesday, with a spontaneous jog along the iconic Marine Drive promenade.

The city was just beginning to stir as he emerged from his motorcade, flanked by a scaled-down security detail, and nodded to his bewildered but quickly adjusting French and Indian security teams.

Interestingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after welcoming French President Macron, asked him that if he had gone for jogging in Mumbai on Tuesday morning.

In the video released by the French President, he was heard telling PM Modi so he already knew about it.

Macron, dressed in a simple grey T-shirt and black shorts, started his run amid few morning walkers having their daily walk.

Initially, a few early risers and dog walkers did a double-take, some even halting mid-stride, utterly perplexed to see a world leader jogging amongst them.

"Is that... no, it can't be," one elderly woman muttered, shielding her eyes against the glare.

But as President Macron offered a quick, friendly wave to those he passed, a murmur of recognition rippled through the small crowd.

He ran with purpose, his gaze sweeping across the vast expanse of the ocean.

He observed the fishermen mending their nets, the yoga enthusiasts already deep in their sun salutations, and the young couples enjoying a quiet moment by the water.

Mid-run, a young boy, dared to call out, "Bonjour, Monsieur le President!" Macron, surprised and amused, slowed to a jog, offering a broad smile and a thumbs-up before continuing his pace. The boy, beaming, instantly became the envy of his friends.

His run concluded near the famous "Queen's Necklace" view where President Macron paused and exchanged a few quiet words with his security chief, perhaps remarking on the vibrancy of Mumbai.

His brief, unexpected appearance on the Marine Lines Promenade caught the Mumbaikars unawares.

However, as the news spread, people rushed to have a first look of the French President.

It was a refreshing break also for the French President before pursuing the high-stakes diplomacy.

Eye witnesses said what they liked the most was the unassuming way he connected with them leaving aside diplomatic protocols.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Haha, typical Mumbaikars! First they're confused, then they recognise him, and by the end, everyone's rushing for a selfie. Only in Mumbai! The boy shouting "Bonjour" made my day. 😂
A
Aman W
While it's a nice gesture, I can't help but think about the massive security disruption this must have caused for the regular morning walkers at Marine Drive. It's a public space, after all. Hope the common people weren't too inconvenienced.
S
Sarah B
As someone who lives abroad, this kind of informal interaction does wonders for a country's image. It shows India as vibrant, safe, and welcoming. Great PR for Mumbai and for the diplomatic ties.
V
Vikram M
He chose the perfect spot! Marine Drive in the morning is magical. He saw the real Mumbai - the fishermen, the yoga groups, the couples. Better than any official tour. Hope he enjoyed our *chai* afterwards!
K
Kriti O
The part about PM Modi already knowing is so funny! Our security is top-notch, of course they knew. 😄 It's a nice break from the usual formal meetings. Shows a personal side to diplomacy.

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