During his high-profile visit to India from February 17 to 19, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi to transition their bilateral ties into a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.” While attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Macron praised India’s digital evolution as a model for the rest of the world. He specifically highlighted the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the nation’s expansive digital framework, remarking that India has attained a level of success in this field that remains unmatched by any other country.
A Digital Revolution for 1.4 Billion People
President Macron opened his address by highlighting the scale and inclusivity of India’s digital public infrastructure. He noted that India has built a comprehensive digital identity system that effectively serves its entire population of 1.4 billion citizens. This achievement, according to Macron, sets India apart on the global stage, as it has successfully bridged the gap between high-end technology and grassroots accessibility.
The President emphasized that this was not merely a feat of engineering but a revolution in social dignity and financial inclusion. By creating a unified digital identity, India has provided a foundation upon which a secure and trustworthy digital economy can thrive, serving the public interest and the progress of its people.
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The Mumbai Street Vendor: A Tale of Transformation
To illustrate the profound impact of India’s digital strides, President Macron shared a poignant personal anecdote regarding the evolution of local commerce. He reflected on the drastic changes seen over the last decade, contrasting the past struggles of small-scale entrepreneurs with today’s seamless digital reality.
“Ten years ago,” Macron observed, “a street vendor in Mumbai could not open a bank account—no address, no papers, no access.” He pointed out that back then, the lack of formal documentation acted as a barrier to financial stability for millions. However, the landscape in 2026 is unrecognizably different. “Today, the same vendor accepts payments on his phone instantly and for free from anyone in the country,” he added, drawing thunderous applause from the audience. This shift from a cash-dependent, unbanked status to a mobile-first, instant-payment economy was cited by Macron as a primary example of how Indian innovation has improved everyday life.
Elevating the Special Global Strategic Partnership
Beyond the digital sphere, the visit marked a significant upgrade in diplomatic ties. Prime Minister Modi and President Macron officially elevated the India-France relationship to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.” This new framework is designed to guide bilateral cooperation for decades to come, focusing on economic security, supply chain resilience, and technological sovereignty.
A key highlight of this partnership is the “2026 India-France Year of Innovation,” which the two leaders jointly inaugurated. This initiative will see high-impact collaborations across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, and sustainable development. Macron reiterated that France is the “unique clear answer” to India’s need for innovation partners, moving beyond traditional buyer-seller dynamics to a collaborative model of “Make in India” for the world.
A Shared Vision for Artificial Intelligence
As the summit focused on the future of AI, Macron and Modi reaffirmed their commitment to the “India-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence.” This commitment focuses on developing secure, trustworthy AI that serves the planet and protects individual rights. Macron’s presence at the AI Impact Summit followed the progress made during the AI Action Summit hosted by France in early 2025, showing a consistent, multi-year trajectory of cooperation.
The leaders noted that the partnership now extends from “deep oceans to the tallest mountains,” referencing joint ventures in everything from submarine technology and Rafale M-88 engine maintenance to the manufacturing of H125 helicopters in Karnataka. By combining France’s technical expertise with India’s massive scale, the two nations are positioning themselves as a stabilizing force in an increasingly uncertain global order.
President Macron concluded his reflections on India’s digital success by noting that the question is no longer whether India can innovate, but who is ready to innovate alongside it. For France, the answer is a resolute commitment to stay, build, and grow with India in this new digital era.
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