Macron Champions India as Innovation Partner on Visit to Mumbai
MUMBAI, India (AP) – French President Emmanuel Macron underscored India’s rising prominence on the global stage during a visit to Mumbai on Sunday, declaring that the central question surrounding Indian innovation is no longer if it will happen, but with whom.
Macron made the statement while jointly inaugurating the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit, Macron’s fourth official trip to India, comes as both nations seek to deepen collaboration in technology and artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the AI Impact Summit, Macron praised India’s growing influence in both technology and culture, specifically noting the significant number of leaders of Indian origin now heading major global companies. He emphasized Europe’s determination to shape the rules governing artificial intelligence in collaboration with allies, positioning the continent as a “safe space” for AI innovation.
The joint initiative with India signals a strategic alignment between the two countries, recognizing the potential for mutual benefit in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. France is keen to partner with India as it strengthens its own position as a hub for innovation.
Details of specific collaborative projects under the Year of Innovation were not immediately available, but the initiative is expected to focus on areas such as AI, renewable energy, and space exploration.
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