Demonstrating their warm diplomatic chemistry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron journeyed together to the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The informal gesture followed detailed bilateral and delegation-level consultations earlier in the day.
In a message shared on X, Prime Minister Modi noted, “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.”
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 shared ride was widely viewed as a sign of the close working relationship between the two leaders. Their interaction underscored a mutual commitment to expanding cooperation in areas such as technological advancement, trade partnerships and innovation-driven growth.
Such gestures have become a recurring feature of PM Modi’s diplomatic engagements, signalling the personal warmth that complements India’s formal foreign policy outreach.
Similar Moments in Recent Diplomacy
Earlier this month, the Prime Minister travelled alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his official visit to Kuala Lumpur, describing the moment as a celebration of people-to-people ties.
In December, he personally received Russian President Vladimir Putin at the airport and accompanied him to his residence in the national capital. More recently, he shared a journey with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after official engagements in Gujarat.
He also welcomed UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Delhi earlier this year and travelled with him during the visit.
India and France have elevated their ties to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’, reflecting growing alignment across defence, technology and global governance. Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi stated that the longstanding strategic association has gained fresh dynamism in recent years.
He asserted that amid shifting global dynamics, closer cooperation between India and France would contribute meaningfully to international stability and progress.
President Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, is in India on an official visit until 19 February, marking his fourth trip to the country at the Prime Minister’s invitation.
Also Read: PM Modi, Macron Unveil India’s First Private Helicopter Manufacturing Unit
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