PM Modi welcomes Emmanuel Macron to India, says talks will take bilateral ties to ‘new heights’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to India, saying he looked forward to advancing bilateral ties “to new heights” as the two leaders prepare for talks.

Modi’s message came in response to Macron’s post on X announcing his departure for India for a three-day visit from February 17 to 19.

“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,” Modi said.

The prime minister would meet Macron in Mumbai and later in Delhi.

Earlier, Macron said he was en route to India along with business leaders and key representatives from the economic, industrial, cultural and digital sectors.

“Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to take our strategic partnership even further,” Macron said in a post.

The French President also said, "Together, we will go even further in our cooperation. See you tomorrow, my dear friend @NarendraModi!"

This will be President Macron's fourth visit to India and his first visit to Mumbai.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi and Macron will hold discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, besides exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the Indo-Pacific.

During the visit, Modi and Macron will jointly inaugurate the India–France Year of Innovation in Mumbai, which will be celebrated throughout 2026 in both countries.

On February 19, Macron will also participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

The visit follows Modi’s trip to France in February 2025 and reflects the growing depth and mutual trust underpinning the India–France Strategic Partnership, the MEA said.