Mumbai: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said that French President Emmanuel Macron jogging at Marine Drive during his Mumbai visit conveyed a positive message about health and fitness to young people in India and around the world.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a media briefing, said Mumbai’s culture of marathons and public fitness activities made the gesture particularly meaningful.
“Mumbai hosts several marathons. And to have this sort of public exposure centered around health conveys a very good message to the youth of India and the youth across the world. I think that is the sentiment with which we should take this particular idea of President Macron jogging in Mumbai,” Jaiswal said.
On Tuesday morning, Macron surprised Mumbaikers by joining regular walkers and joggers along Marine Drive. Dressed in a navy blue T-shirt and black sunglasses, he was accompanied by French and Indian security personnel. The jog proceeded peacefully with minimal disruption from media or locals, even as the French President prepared for a day of high-level diplomatic engagements.
During his visit to Mumbai, Macron held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on cooperation in industrial development, defence, clean energy, space and emerging technologies.
In a post on X, PM Modi said the India-France partnership has been elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership and described the relationship as one aimed at “global stability and progress.” He added that discussions also covered collaboration between startups and MSMEs, student and researcher exchanges, and the establishment of joint innovation centres.
The two leaders also jointly inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 at the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
Macron, currently on his fourth visit to India, is scheduled to travel to New Delhi next to attend the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam.
