“There’s So Much Happening Between India and France”: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Macron’s Big Mumbai Visit

Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Mumbai for a high-level visit that is expected to deepen strategic ties between India and France. Confirming the development, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the visit as significant and wide-ranging in scope.

Speaking about the schedule, Jaiswal said President Macron reached Mumbai late in the evening and will hold important discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this afternoon.

“There are two aspects to his visit this time,” Jaiswal explained. “One, he will be holding important talks with Prime Minister Modi here in Mumbai, and thereafter, he travels to Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit.”

Wide-Ranging Strategic Talks

The meeting between Modi and Macron is expected to cover a broad spectrum of cooperation areas. Jaiswal emphasized the depth of the partnership, stating, “There’s so much that is happening between India and France, two strategic partners in the fields of digital technology, innovation, student mobility, culture, defence, security, green pathways and a lot more.”

Officials say all these issues will be taken up for discussion during the leaders’ meeting. India and France have steadily expanded cooperation in defence manufacturing, renewable energy initiatives, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

The visit comes at a time when both nations are seeking stronger alignment on global strategic and technological issues.

AI Impact Summit in Delhi

After concluding his engagements in Mumbai, President Macron will travel to New Delhi to participate in the AI Impact Summit. The summit is expected to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and its global governance.

India and France have been strengthening collaboration in digital transformation and responsible AI frameworks, making Macron’s presence at the summit particularly significant.

Celebration at Gateway of India

Beyond official meetings, several programs have been planned to celebrate India-France collaboration in innovation. A cultural event is also scheduled at the iconic Gateway of India.

Jaiswal hinted at a “colourful delight” awaiting attendees, symbolizing not just diplomatic engagement but also cultural warmth between the two nations.

With expanding cooperation across defence, technology, green energy, and education, Macron’s visit signals a new chapter in India-France relations. The outcomes of the Modi-Macron meeting are expected to shape the future direction of this key strategic partnership.