MUMBAI (Feb 18, 2026) — French President Emmanuel Macron has taken social media by storm during his three-day state visit to India. Moving beyond the formal protocols of high-stakes diplomacy, the President was seen embracing the spirit of Mumbai through an early morning jog and a late-night heritage tour.
A Fitness-First Start at Marine Drive
Before his official meetings yesterday, Macron surprised Mumbaikars by joining the morning rush at Marine Drive.
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The Scene: Dressed in a navy-blue T-shirt, black shorts, and sunglasses, the 48-year-old leader jogged along the promenade with a discreet security detail.
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The Impact: Footage of him waving to onlookers and blending into the crowd went viral, with business leaders like Harsh Goenka praising his stamina and “unassuming” presence.
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Official Word: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that the jog sent a “very good message to the youth” about the importance of health.
Midnight at the Museum: CST Station Visit
Following a day of bilateral talks with PM Modi, Macron made a surprise late-night stop at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
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The Experience: The President was filmed walking through the illuminated UNESCO World Heritage site, pausing to admire the Gothic Revival architecture of the historic railway headquarters.
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Symbolism: The visit highlighted the cultural pillar of the newly minted Special Global Strategic Partnership between India and France.
What’s Next: AI Impact Summit
President Macron has now traveled to New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit today, February 19. He will join PM Modi and global tech leaders at Bharat Mandapam to discuss responsible AI and digital sovereignty.
