French President Emmanuel Macron marked his first day visit to India with plenty of events — starting with his morning jogging on footpaths with minimal security. The President who is touring India with multiple programs with a tight schedule was seen jogging at Mumbai Marine drive with a few escorts. Macron on his social media handler called Mumbai as the “City of Dreams.”
Macron Seized Eyes on Mumbai Streets
Macron surprised many on Mumbai’s clumsy streets while jogging on Marine drive. Later he was seen on normal footpaths. However, many pedestrians could not identify him whereas smartphone users recorded glimpses of him jogging.
Tribute to 2008 Mumbai Terror Attack Victims
Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron paid tribute to 2008 Mumbai Terror Attack victims. Mumbai terror attack is known as a series of 12 coordinated Islamist terrorist attacks, sometimes called 26/11, carried out in Mumbai, India, from 26 to 29 November 2008 by 10 members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist organization. A total of 175 people died, including nine of the attackers, with more than 300 injured.
“At the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, we paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 attacks. To their families and loved ones, and to India: France stands with you. In the face of terrorism, unity and determination,” Macron said in his X post.
Meeting with Bollywood film producers
Macron also met some of the film producers, actors in Mumbai, as France is opening roads for more bollywood films’ releases. “Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together,” said Macron after meeting the Bollywood stars.
Meeting with Prime Minister Modi
The French President then met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lok Bhavan before the press. He informed Modi that he really likes Mumbai and enjoyed his morning exercise on Mumbai drive.
Prime Minister Modi said on his X handler, “It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!”
Strategic Partnership
Macron announced that India and France have decided to “elevate their strategic partnership to the level of a Special Global Strategic Partnership.”
Macron added, “In diplomacy, that means a great deal.”
Modi and Macron were seen departing from Lok Bhavan in Mumbai after a press statement, to join India-France Innovation Forum.
Macron received claps after chanting “Jai Ho….” — a traditional Indian patriotic slogan — adding, “We are not leaving (India)……”
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