President Macron charms Mumbai, ‘the city of dreams’

Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron sprung a surprise when he took a short run along Marine Drive, hours after landing in the city Tuesday morning. Wearing a navy blue T-shirt, black shorts and running shoes, he blended into the crowd without an army of security guards or a fleet of convoy vehicles.

Neither the road nor the footpath was cordoned off. However, a few personnel guarded him by running a few paces behind. Fellow joggers stopped in their tracks and clicked photos on their phones.


PM Narendra Modi acknowledged the moment with a post on X: "It's a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!" The President responded, "The city of dreams!"

BMC had undertaken road levelling works in Colaba along the motorcade route.

Macron subsequently paid homage to victims of the 26/11 terror attacks, in which two French citizens were also killed, at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Colaba where he was staying. He and First Lady Brigitte Macron laid a wreath at the Tree of Life memorial. The blossoms and ribbons drew upon colours of the French flag —blue, white and red. He also signed a condolence book. Macron posted: "At the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, we paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 attacks. To their families and loved ones, and to India: France stands with you. In the face of terrorism, unity and determination."

Earlier, on their arrival at the city airport, President Macron and wife Brigitte were welcomed by CM Devendra Fadnavis and governor Acharya Devvrat. (With Richa Pinto)