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India-France strategic ties received a strong boost on Tuesday (February 17) as a part of French President Emmanueal Macron’s India visit. Macron arrived in Mumbai with his wife at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at approximately 23:50 hours (11:50 PM) on 16 February.
He was received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Starting early morning on February 17, Macron began his densely packed official visit starting at Taj Mahal Palace in Bombay which then ended at the India Gate foundation.
The visit saw the signing of 21 MoUs across diverse sectors including critical minerals, space, and even Everest climbing. A major highlight was the agreement for Airbus and Tata to set up a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for H125 helicopters in India. The only helicopter model to have landed atop Mount Everest.
The pacts included one on defence cooperation and another on a joint venture between Bharat Electronics Ltd and French defence giant Safran to produce Hammer missiles in India. Additionally, both nations signed a landmark agreement to prevent double taxation, easing the path for cross-border investments and trade. (Image Source: PTI) -
French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron are greeted by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and CM Devendra Fadnavis upon their late-night arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The visit underscores Mumbai’s role as a primary hub for Indo-French economic cooperation. (Image Source: PTI)
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Macron’s scheduled engagements officially began on February 17, starting at the Taj Mahal Palace. Before his meeting with PM Modi today, Macron also paid a tribute to the victims of the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai. Macron also posted about the tribute on X (formerly twitter) stating that France stands with the families of people who lost their loved ones on that dark night. (Image Source: PTI)
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French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron sat down with some of India’s top filmmakers and actors in Mumbai around 12 in the afternoon turning a formal engagement into an animated exchange about cinema, culture and collaboration.
The two-hour meeting over lunch, which began at 12:30 PM at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, brought together names such as Zoya Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Anil Kapoor, Kabir Khan, Neeraj Ghaywan, Richa Chadha and Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej. (Image Source: PTI) -
Following his hour-long interaction with members of the Indian film industry and artists, Macron departed to the Maharashtra Lok Bhavan where he was personally received by PM Modi. “I am delighted to meet you my friend,” PM Modi said while welcoming Macron. (Image Source: PTI)
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PM Modi and Macron held a joint press conference at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan where they announced their plans for extending the strategic India-France partnership in areas of technology, defence, critical minerals, health and renewable energy. (Image Source: PTI)
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Both leaders finalized 21 agreements across sunrise sectors like critical minerals, defence, technology, skill development, healthcare and AI supply chains in an effort to deepen their partnership. As per media statements issued by PM Modi, maintaining ‘ease of business’ for the global workforce was outlined as a key priority during bilateral negotiations between the two parties. (Image Source: PTI)
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A key highlight of the visit was the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, symbolising a renewed focus on technology, creativity and cultural exchange. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the year-long programme will feature events in both countries, celebrating innovation and shared cultural links.
Macron will next travel to Delhi for the AI Impact Summit that he will attend alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Representative image has been used| Image Source: PTI)
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