After a morning jog along Marine Drive and waving to early risers, French President Emmanuel Macron was later spotted at the historic CST station
If you happened to be strolling along Marine Drive in Mumbai early in the morning, you might have done a double-take. No, that wasn’t just another fitness enthusiast pounding the pavement, it was French President Emmanuel Macron, looking less like a visiting head of state and more like a local getting his morning cardio in.
While most world leaders spend their first day in India behind the tinted glass of a motorcade or tucked away in high-level briefings, Macron decided to kick off his visit by treating Mumbai like his own backyard.
The ’local’ routine
The buzz started when videos began circulating on social media showing Macron, clad in simple athletic gear, jogging alongside the Arabian Sea. There was no massive fanfare or stifling protocol—just the President of France enjoying the Mumbai breeze. It set a tone that has defined his recent interactions with India: one of comfort, familiarity, and a genuine “at home” vibe.
French 🇫🇷 President Macron jogging in the streets of Mumbai India 🇮🇳. No huge convoys and no Z+ security. Yeh Hai Naya India — It’s New India!
— Zahack Tanvir — ضحاك تنوير (@ZahackTanvir) February 17, 2026
It wasn’t just about the fitness, though. Macron’s itinerary quickly shifted from the promenade to the pulse of the city’s heritage.
A pitstop at CST
Later in the day, the President was spotted at the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMHT). If Marine Drive showed his relaxed side, his visit to the railway station showed his appreciation for the soul of the city.
In viral clips, Macron is seen navigating the bustling station, admiring the Gothic architecture, and interacting with the locals. There’s a certain ease with which he moves through Indian crowds. Whether he’s sharing a “chai pe charcha” with PM Modi or exploring a railway terminus, Macron seems to have bypassed the “tourist” phase and moved straight into feeling like a resident.
French President Emmanuel Macron made a late-night visit to CST station, where he was seen walking around the premises, the station is among four designated heritage buildings pic.twitter.com/nbSH6CtuIT
— Siddhant Mishra (@siddhantvm) February 17, 2026
This “home away from home” energy reflects the deepening bond between India and France. By stepping out of the five-star hotels and onto the streets, Macron is sending a clear message: he doesn’t just see India as a strategic partner on paper, but as a place where he feels truly welcome.
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