Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 17: In a solemn display of international solidarity against terrorism, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The 26/11 attacks, carried out by 10 terrorists via sea route in November 2008, claimed 166 lives and injured over 300 people across Mumbai’s busiest areas, leaving an indelible mark on the city and the nation. President Macron highlighted the shared values of resilience and democracy that connect India and France.

Welcoming the French delegation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized advancing bilateral ties and expressed optimism over the upcoming discussions. On X, PM Modi wrote, “Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @Emmanuel Macron.”

The delegation was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. As part of the visit, both leaders are set to launch the “Year of Innovation 2026”, further strengthening the India-France strategic partnership.

Discussions between President Macron and PM Modi are expected to focus on defence, trade, technology, clean energy, AI, and emerging technologies, reflecting the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation. The leaders will later attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, guided by the pillars of People, Planet, and Progress.

This visit builds on the foundation laid during the February 2025 AI Action Summit in Paris, co-chaired by PM Modi and President Macron, reinforcing the Franco-Indian leadership in global technological initiatives.