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Mumbai's Sea Link Glows to Welcome French President Macron for Key India Visit

The Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai was illuminated with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron to welcome the visiting leader. President Macron's visit, at PM Modi's invitation, aims to strengthen the strategic partnership, with a key focus on cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies. The leaders will hold wide-ranging talks in Mumbai and jointly inaugurate the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation. Following Mumbai, the delegation will proceed to Delhi for the landmark India AI Impact Summit 2026.

Key Points: Macron Visits India: Sea Link Lit, AI Summit & Bilateral Talks

  • Sea Link lit with Modi-Macron images
  • Focus on AI & emerging tech
  • Review of Horizon 2047 Roadmap
  • Inaugurate 2026 Year of Innovation
  • Attend India AI Impact Summit
2 min read

Maharashtra: Mumbai's Bandra-Worli Sea Link lit up to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron

French President Macron arrives in Mumbai. PM Modi welcomes him as leaders discuss AI cooperation, strategic partnership under Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

"This visit signals sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership - French Embassy"

Mumbai, February 17

Mumbai's Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Maharashtra was lit up on Monday to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of his scheduled visit to India.

The iconic Sea Link was lit with pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The visual tribute marks the commencement of a high-profile visit by President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, who are scheduled to be in India till February 19, spanning both the financial and national capitals.

Macron is set to arrive in Mumbai today, marking his fourth visit to the country at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi.

This visit signals sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and emerging technologies.

According to the French Embassy, this engagement marks another significant chapter in the expanding ties between New Delhi and Paris.

The visit comes against the backdrop of a steadily deepening partnership across defence, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action, and education.

This trajectory began with Macron's first visit in 2018, followed by his attendance at the 2023 G20 Summit and his 2024 State Visit as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day.

During that milestone, the two leaders declared 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, a forward-looking initiative they will jointly inaugurate in Mumbai during this trip. As part of the current itinerary, PM Modi and President Macron will hold wide-ranging discussions on February 17 in Mumbai to further strengthen bilateral cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

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

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

The India AI Impact Summit is designed as a five-day programme anchored on three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress.

The participation of the French President underscores the importance both nations attach to emerging technologies, building on PM Modi's co-chairing of the AI Action Summit with Macron in Paris in February 2025.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the gesture is nice, I can't help but think about the electricity cost for such a display. Could that money have been better used? Just a thought. The partnership itself is very important for our tech future.
A
Arjun K
France has been a reliable partner for decades, from Rafale jets to space cooperation. Hosting the first global AI summit in the Global South is a big win for India's standing. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
The focus on "People, Planet, and Progress" at the AI Summit is crucial. Hope the discussions lead to ethical AI frameworks that benefit everyone, not just the big corporations. A very strategic visit indeed.
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Vikram M
Macron's fourth visit shows the relationship is more than just symbolic. The Horizon 2047 Roadmap and Indo-Pacific cooperation are key for our national security. Strong allies matter in today's world.
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Kavya N
My friends in Bandra sent videos, it was quite the spectacle! Beyond the lights, I'm most excited about the potential for student exchanges and research collaborations in emerging tech. That's the real benefit.

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