By Sitaram Mewati | Mumbai
President of France, H.E. Emmanuel Macron, arrived in Mumbai on Monday night, February 16, 2026, along with his wife Brigitte Macron, marking the start of a key visit aimed at further strengthening the India–France strategic partnership. On arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the French President was formally received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
President Macron’s visit is being viewed as significant in the context of high-level bilateral engagement with India. On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron are scheduled to hold an important meeting at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan. The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of issues including defence cooperation, technology, innovation, energy, culture and key global challenges.
During his Mumbai visit, President Macron will also join Prime Minister Modi later in the evening at the Gateway of India for the ‘India–France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration’ programme. The event aims to highlight growing collaboration between the two nations in innovation, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.
Senior state leaders and officials were present during the reception, including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Protocol Minister Jaykumar Rawal, along with senior administrative officers. Elaborate security arrangements were put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the visit.
President Macron’s India visit is expected to give fresh momentum to bilateral relations and further deepen the long-standing, multi-dimensional partnership between India and France. The information is based on an official release issued by Maharashtra Lok Bhavan.
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