 "'President Macron and I are on the way...': PM Modi, Macron share car ride to India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday travelled together in the same car to attend the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai, in a symbolic display of their close ties.
After the talks and press statements at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, President Macron and I are on the way to the other programmes, which include the India-France Innovation Forum.@EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/v2PKPEgP1o
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2026
The gesture highlighted the personal rapport between the two leaders during Macron’s visit to India.
PM Modi later shared a candid photograph on X showing the two seated side by side in the car on their way to the event.
The Prime Minister said that following bilateral talks and press statements, he and the French President departed together to participate in several engagements, including the India-France Innovation Forum.
“After the talks and press statements at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, President Macron and I are on the way to the other programmes, which include the India-France Innovation Forum," PM Modi posted on X.
Quick Reads
View AllPM Modi’s recent diplomatic engagements have drawn attention for an increasingly visible personal touch — what observers describe as his “car diplomacy.”
In a series of high-profile meetings, PM Modi has shared car rides with several world leaders, using the informal setting to signal warmth and personal rapport.
He was seen travelling alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during bilateral engagements.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and French President Macron held bilateral talks aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, energy and critical technologies.
Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi described India-France ties as “special” and a stabilising force at a time of global uncertainty. He announced that the two countries have agreed to elevate their ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
“The world is facing a period of uncertainty. In this environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability," he said.
PM Modi also unveiled several joint initiatives, including the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and the National Centre of Alliance for Skilling in Aeronautics.
In addition, he announced plans to set up an assembly line in India for H125 single-engine light utility helicopters of French origin.
President Macron described the bilateral relationship as unique and rooted in trust, openness and ambition.
“We have decided today to elevate this partnership and give it a new status. We have complete faith in this relationship," he said, adding that India and France have worked closely over the past eight years in areas such as the Indo-Pacific, artificial intelligence and clean energy.
Macron arrived in Mumbai on Monday night for a three-day official visit from February 17 to 19 at Modi’s invitation. He was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
With inputs from agencies
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