During their meeting in Bombay on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed the growth of bilateral relations between the two countries, stressing the strengthening of strategic partnership and multilateralism, in light of the repercussions of the trade policies pursued by US President Donald Trump.
Published on: 02/17/2026 - 15:55 Last updated: 02/17/2026 - 18:29
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French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the development of bilateral relations during their meeting on Tuesday in Bombay, at a time when the tariff policies adopted by US President Donald Trump are raising a state of ambiguity on the international scene.
Modi stated: "The Indo-French partnership knows no borders. It extends from the depths of the oceans to the highest mountains... In today's turbulent world, this partnership contributes to global stability."
For his part, Macron said that the "remarkable acceleration" in relations with India came in response to "changes occurring in the international system." He stressed that the two countries do not want to “submit to any form of hegemony” or be drawn into a conflict “managed by a few” countries.
Both leaders have previously addressed each other as "dear friend" in social media posts.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Modi said: “We will strengthen multilateralism through dialogue and diplomacy to promote stability and peace.” He continued: "Both countries believe in the rule of law and a multipolar world."
In the same context, Macron called on India to support the proposal to suspend strikes on civilians and infrastructure in the Russian-Ukrainian war. He told reporters in Bombay: "We can unite our efforts to support an immediate and permanent cessation of strikes targeting civilians and civilian facilities."
On Tuesday, Macron began his fourth visit to India since taking office in 2017, and he is expected to discuss during the three days scheduled for the visit a possible deal to sell fighter aircraft worth billions of dollars. He will head to New Delhi to attend the Artificial Intelligence Summit on Wednesday and Thursday.
Macron's program on Tuesday included honoring the victims of the 2008 Bombay attacks, and a meeting with Bollywood film stars, including Shabana Azmi and Manoj Bajpayee.
This visit follows the signing of a historic free trade agreement between India and the European Union in January.
France 24/AFP
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