French President Emmanuel Macron stole the show at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, blending diplomacy with genuine warmth. On his three-day visit, he arrived at Bharat Mandapam for the event’s opening ceremony and expo walkthrough. In a candid moment caught on camera, Macron quipped to IANS, ‘I love your country,’ underscoring his affinity for India.
Macron’s fondness has been evident throughout the trip. Fresh from Mumbai, he landed in Delhi under light showers, pausing to applaud traditional performers at the airport with folded hands. His Mumbai jog, where he exchanged greetings with everyday citizens, further highlighted his approachable demeanor.
In his keynote, Macron greeted the audience with ‘Namaste’ and bid farewell with ‘Jai Ho.’ He hailed India’s digital model as unparalleled worldwide. Drawing from a street vendor’s transformation, he painted a vivid picture: from financial exclusion a decade ago to seamless mobile payments today. ‘It’s a narrative of societal evolution,’ he remarked.
Addressing AI’s competitive landscape, Macron commended India’s focus on autonomy through bespoke language models and massive GPU support for startups. This approach, he said, exemplifies strategic independence.
Revisiting the vendor story, Macron celebrated India’s triumph over doubters who deemed a digital economy for 1.4 billion impossible. Looking ahead, the 2026 India-France Innovation Year promises enhanced cooperation in AI, innovation, and ethical tech frameworks. Macron’s visit signals a new era of partnership, with India firmly on the world stage.