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Modi, Macron Strengthen India-France Ties with Mumbai Talks, Tribute to 26/11 Victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. The leaders aimed to review and deepen the strategic partnership, with discussions spanning defence, trade, and global issues. In a significant gesture, President Macron paid solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The visit also includes the launch of the "Year of Innovation 2026" to further boost bilateral cooperation.

Key Points: Modi, Macron Hold Bilateral Talks in Mumbai, Launch Innovation Year

  • Reviewing strategic partnership progress
  • Deepening defence and trade cooperation
  • Launching the "Year of Innovation 2026"
  • Paying tribute to 2008 Mumbai attack victims
3 min read

PM Modi holds bilateral talks with French President Macron at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan in Mumbai

PM Modi and French President Macron meet in Mumbai to deepen strategic partnership, discuss defence & trade, and pay tribute to 2008 terror attack victims.

"I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. - PM Narendra Modi"

Mumbai, February 17

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai, as part of the latter's fourth visit to India.

The two leaders met at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, where they were seen sharing a warm hug before commencing discussions.

The meeting is aimed at reviewing the progress of the India-France strategic partnership and exploring avenues to deepen cooperation across key sectors.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed President Macron upon his arrival, and the leaders held talks thereafter.

The Prime Minister had earlier arrived at Lok Bhavan, where he was received by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat.

In a post on X, the Governor of Maharashtra said, "Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi arrived in Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, for his meeting with the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron. The Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, welcomed the Prime Minister at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai."

The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties between India and France, with discussions likely to focus on strategic cooperation, trade, defence collaboration, and global issues of mutual interest.

Earlier in the day, Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris.

Meanwhile, welcoming the French President on his visit to India, PM Modi expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties to new heights.

In a post on X, PM Modi shared 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."

The high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Highlighting the strategic nature of the trip, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X that both leaders will launch the "Year of Innovation 2026," imparting further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
President Macron paying tribute to the 26/11 victims was a deeply respectful and meaningful gesture. It shows a true understanding of the pain we share as nations that have faced terrorism. This builds a stronger emotional foundation for the partnership.
R
Rohit P
Good to see such high-level diplomacy happening in Mumbai, not just Delhi. It highlights the city's importance on the global stage. Hope the talks lead to more French investments in Maharashtra's infrastructure.
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Priya S
While strategic talks are important, I hope the discussions also cover climate action and sustainable development. Both countries have ambitious goals, and collaboration here can set a global example.
M
Michael C
The Rafale deal has been a game-changer. Looking forward to what comes next in defence collaboration. A strong India-France axis is crucial for stability, especially with so much uncertainty in other parts of the world.
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Kavya N
The warm hug says it all! Personal rapport between leaders matters. However, I sincerely hope the outcomes of these meetings translate into tangible benefits for common people—more educational exchanges, easier visas for students and tourists, and joint cultural projects.
D
David E
A respectful critique: The article and the fanfare are great, but we need more transparency on what exactly is being discussed in these "strategic"

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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