‘Jai Ho’: Macron’s Greeting At Mumbai Event Draws Applause From PM Modi | Watch

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 23:41 IST

Emmanuel Macron and PM Modi launched the India-France Year of Innovation in Mumbai, highlighting strong Indo-French ties.

With a spirited “Jai Ho!", French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday highlighted the strength of the India-France strategic partnership saying that France stands firmly by India as a committed and enduring partner.

While addressing the India–France Innovation Forum in Mumbai, Macron said that the global debate was no longer about whether India innovates but about who chooses to innovate alongside it, while asserting that France stands firmly by India.

“…The question is no longer whether India innovates. The question is, who will innovate with India? And France is the only clear answer. We are here. We want to be here with you. And we are not leaving. Jai ho, as we say in the famous movie. So long live the Indo-French relationship," he said.

He further said that following PM Modi’s proposal, Paris will have this Innovation Day the day before the G7 together, led by Franco-Indian initiatives with a lot of students and researchers that both nations will bring together.

India and France resolved to further strengthen cooperation in innovation in different fields as PM Modi and French President Macron launched the India-France Year of Innovation.

Macron said that the Indo-French partnership is guided by a shared conviction that innovation is not just about major technological breakthroughs but also about economy, about improving everyday life and making it healthier and safer.

Praising India’s technological rise, Macron highlighted the global footprint of Indian leadership in major corporations. He pointed to Indian-origin CEOs heading companies such as Alphabet Inc., Microsoft, IBM, Adobe and Palo Alto Networks, saying India does not merely participate in global innovation but leads it.

Defence cooperation, he noted, remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Macron said that India and France are defining what a truly sovereign partnership looks like — with two major nations deliberately choosing to stand together across land, sea and air, driven by shared conviction rather than convenience.

Calling France a steadfast partner of India’s “Make in India" initiative, Macron said that the two countries are working together on next-generation engines, multirole helicopters, advanced combat aircraft and submarines.

“This is not just a defence contract, a series of defence contracts," he said, adding that the partnership reflects a sovereign choice by two major nations to stand together across land, sea and air.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi shared a car ride with Macron following their bilateral talks at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. The symbolic show of camaraderie underscored the close personal bond between the two leaders. PM Modi took to X to share a candid picture with Macron seated together in a car en route to the event.

Macron arrived in Mumbai last night for a three-day official visit from 17-19 February, at the invitation of PM Modi. He was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

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