In a drizzle-kissed welcome, President Emmanuel Macron of France arrived in New Delhi with his wife Brigitte on Wednesday, received by MOS KV Singh. The French leader’s appreciative namaste to local artists set a cultural tone for his packed itinerary, centered on the AI Impact Summit 2026.
This journey, his fourth to India, follows stops in Mumbai where he met PM Modi. Prior visits include the 2018 inaugural trip, G20 in 2023, and Republic Day 2024 as chief guest. The summit’s timing aligns perfectly with 2026’s ‘India-France Innovation Year,’ a collaborative push for advancements in AI, research, and industry.
Rooted in a 1998 strategic alliance, India-France cooperation spans defense pacts, tech transfers, space missions, and energy projects. Now, they’re uniting on an AI roadmap to champion ethical AI deployment globally. Modi’s Mumbai dialogue with Macron crystallized this momentum, upgrading ties to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’—a leap from mere transactions to comprehensive teamwork on security, oceans, space, and world affairs.
As light rains symbolized fresh beginnings, Macron’s Delhi leg promises to cement these ambitions. The partnership’s evolution reflects shared visions for a tech-led future, where innovation bridges continents and powers progress. With AI at the forefront, expect bold announcements reinforcing Indo-French leadership in responsible tech governance.