Mumbai’s early morning walkers were treated to an unusual sight on Tuesday when French President Emmanuel Macron was spotted jogging along the city’s iconic Marine Drive, drawing quiet curiosity from locals ahead of a packed day of diplomatic engagements in India. The French leader had arrived in the country the previous night along with his wife for bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Amid the routine scenes of joggers, tea vendors, and commuters enjoying the morning at the seaside promenade, Macron stepped out for an early workout accompanied by members of his security team. Dressed casually in a navy blue T-shirt and black sunglasses, the French President maintained his well-known fitness routine while running along the stretch, with videos of the moment quickly circulating online. The footage, showing Macron jogging briskly as security personnel followed closely behind, soon went viral on social media platforms.
Despite the presence of a heavy security detail, the outing remained relatively low-key, with no large crowds or media attention gathering around him. Many locals appeared surprised by the unusual level of security but did not immediately recognise the visiting head of state, allowing the jog to proceed without disruption or attempts at selfies or public interaction.
Macron has frequently incorporated public fitness appearances into his international visits, often using such moments as informal public outreach during diplomatic tours. In recent months, he has been seen jogging during a visit to Chengdu in China, participating in fitness drills with French soldiers in Abu Dhabi, and sharing images of boxing sessions that attracted attention back home in France. These displays have contributed to his public image as a fitness-conscious leader and have often generated discussion about the role of personal optics in modern diplomacy.
Later in the day, Macron is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in defence, trade, skill development, healthcare, and resilient supply chains. Defence cooperation is likely to feature prominently following India’s recent approval of a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets.
The two leaders will also jointly inaugurate the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 in the evening, aimed at expanding collaboration in technology and research. After completing his engagements in Mumbai, the French President will travel to New Delhi to participate in the ongoing AI Summit, where global leaders are gathering to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and international cooperation in emerging technologies.
