Emmanuel Macron India Visit Live Updates: AI development should serve humanity without overdependence on few global powers, says Macron

Macron India Visit Today Live Updates: French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday underscored the need for India and France to build sovereign AI capacity and talent, ensuring that AI development serves humanity without overdependence on a few global powers. In a move to strengthen Indo-French cooperation in healthcare and emerging technologies, Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Macron on Wednesday inaugurated an Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.After arriving in New Delhi following his visit to Mumbai, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered his address at All India Institute of Medical Science. He is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Macron extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the G7 Summit to be hosted by France in 2026. He invited India to participate actively in the discussions, essentially on key issues of tackling global macroeconomic imbalances and defining a new paradigm for international partnerships and solidarity. According to a press release, Modi warmly accepted the invitation, noting India’s longstanding partnership with the G7 and its commitment to contributing constructively to global discussions. French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday underscored the need for India and France to build sovereign AI capacity and talent, ensuring that AI development serves humanity without overdependence on a few global powers. "AI will be adopted, it will transform productivity, will allow us to discover new diseases, reshape our energy models, and much more productivity," says French President Macron at Delhi's AIIMS event. A while ago, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit. Before heading to the Summit, Macron spoke at All India Institute of Medical Sciences. > Warm welcome to President @EmmanuelMacron in New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit 2026. Received by MoS @KVSinghMPGonda. The summit provides an opportunity to further advance 🇮🇳🇫🇷 shared priorities and mark an important step as AI moves from dialogue to impact on ground. pic.twitter.com/HSrY2SVey7— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) February 18, 2026 Warm welcome to President @EmmanuelMacron in New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit 2026. Received by MoS @KVSinghMPGonda. The summit provides an opportunity to further advance 🇮🇳🇫🇷 shared priorities and mark an important step as AI moves from dialogue to impact on ground. pic.twitter.com/HSrY2SVey7 French President Emmanuel Macron Wednesday departed from the hotel he was residing in, following day two of his visit to Mumbai. He will soon be arriving in Delhi to attend the opening ceremony of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, news agency ANI reported. > #watch | Mumbai | French President Emmanuel Macron departs from the hotel after day two of his Mumbai visit. He will be arriving in Delhi to attend the opening ceremony of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 pic.twitter.com/WWFwIf6Tkp— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2026 #watch | Mumbai | French President Emmanuel Macron departs from the hotel after day two of his Mumbai visit. He will be arriving in Delhi to attend the opening ceremony of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 pic.twitter.com/WWFwIf6Tkp Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor hailed the bilateral ties between India and France as he spent an afternoon with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday. Sharing a post on X, Macron wrote: "Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France." > Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France.Here’s to India 🇮🇳 x France 🇫🇷And to many more stories waiting to be told.… pic.twitter.com/UkNzhcKxKG— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) February 17, 2026 Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France.Here’s to India 🇮🇳 x France 🇫🇷And to many more stories waiting to be told.… pic.twitter.com/UkNzhcKxKG French President Emmanuel Macron Wednesday left for Delhi after holding bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day earlier. Announcing his departure, Macron wrote on X: "Thank you, Mumbai, for your welcome. Delhi, we’re on our way!" > Thank you, Mumbai, for your welcome. Delhi, we’re on our way! 🇮🇳🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/hgDMsYXPyu— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 18, 2026 Thank you, Mumbai, for your welcome. Delhi, we’re on our way! 🇮🇳🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/hgDMsYXPyu Launching the 'India-France Year of Innovation’ along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that it was the starting point for an unprecedented level of integration between the two knowledge-based economies. “France and India have been working hand in hand for years and we have reinforced our technological sovereignty while supporting our national industries. Our partnership is strong and it relies on countless joint projects,” President Macron said. He spoke of France being a steadfast partner of Make in India in the field of defence and the crucial cooperation in the space sector. Read the full story here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron Tuesday virtually inaugurated the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line of Tata Airbus in Karnataka. “We take pride in the fact that, together, India and France will manufacture in India the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest and export it to the entire world,” PM Modi said. The facility will strengthen India’s aeronautical manufacturing capabilities, lead to the skilling of the workforce, create jobs and give impetus to Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson stated. Here's what you need to know about the project. In our Opinion section today, C Raja Mohan delves into how French President Emmanuel Macron has carved out a “distinctive place” for Paris in Delhi’s strategic calculus as he visits India for the fourth time since 2017. "Macron’s visit is not simply about deepening a robust bilateral partnership. It reflects India’s exploration of what might be called a “multipolar West”. Europe is no longer seen merely as an adjunct to Washington or a passive player in the arena of US-China rivalry. It is an important global actor in its own right, capable of contributing to India’s economic and technological transformation while widening Delhi’s spielraum — or the space for manoeuvre abroad." He further writes: “The Macron moment, therefore, is not merely about personal and bilateral warmth. It reflects a broader shift in Delhi’s geopolitical imagination — towards a more differentiated understanding of the West. It is also about the emergence of a wider network of alliances and partnerships that cut across the traditional divides of East-West and North-South.” Read the full Opinion here. French President Emmanuel Macron Tuesday extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the G7 Summit to be hosted by France in 2026. He invited India to participate actively in the discussions, essentially on key issues of tackling global macroeconomic imbalances and defining a new paradigm for international partnerships and solidarity. According to a press release, Modi warmly accepted the invitation, noting India’s longstanding partnership with the G7 and its commitment to contributing constructively to global discussions. I invite France, along with leaders from around the world—CEOs, investors, and universities—to join India in building a future where technology serves humanity and development is truly inclusive, says PM Modi From India’s vibrant startup ecosystem to its world-class research labs, a new spirit of ‘can-do’ optimism is emerging. Thanks to the Startup India programme, the country has, in just one decade, become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. In 2014, India was home to only four unicorns; today, that number has surged to over 120, says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the empowerment of women in the country during his address at India-France innovation forum and said India is emerging as an outstanding example of women-led research and innovation. “Today, nearly 50% of startups have at least one woman director. A significant number of female students are graduating in STEM fields. Whether it is agriculture, healthcare, or space missions, women are leading and making remarkable contributions in every sector,” Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses India-France innovation forum in Mumbai > Speaking at the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai. https://t.co/i78YjmvrrL— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2026 Speaking at the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai. https://t.co/i78YjmvrrL We are proud that India and France are collaborating to manufacture, in India, the world’s only helicopter capable of reaching the heights of Mount Everest—and to export it globally. India France partnership knows no boundaries. It can reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountains, says PM Modi The year 2026 marks a significant turning point in relations between India and Europe. Just a few days ago, India signed the largest and most ambitious Free Trade Agreement in its history with the European Union. This landmark agreement is set to create unprecedented momentum not only in India-Europe relations but also in ties between India and France. To further encourage mutual investment, we are signing agreements to eliminate double taxation, ensuring that our citizens and companies are not taxed twice. These initiatives will boost bilateral trade, investment, and the movement of people. Together, they form the roadmap for our shared prosperity, said PM Modi. We should fight together...take a stand against the attacks that are taking place in Ukraine, says Macron Our ideology is similar. Be it for trade, peace, and we believe in multipolar and open trade. We welcome the trade deal signed with Europe, says Macron Apart from defence, there are several other sectors where India and France can collaborate, such as the space program, says Macron. President Macron, says, "In the past eight years, India and France have collaborated in several sectors, and we are happy turn this partnership into a special strategic partnership." After holding bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the India France trade deal will become a force for global stability. Modi is holding a joint press conference with Macron. We have agreed on a trade deal through which Indian citizens won't have to pay double tax, says PM Modi After bilateral meeting, PM Modi holds joint press conference with French Prez Emmanuel Macron Right after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X saying, " It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day! @EmmanuelMacron." > It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day! @EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/edPKuLdn0f— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2026 It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day! @EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/edPKuLdn0f The two leaders : French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are holding discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai. In addition, they are discussing regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders will also inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and address a gathering of business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and other innovators from both countries. PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron Watch video > VIDEO | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) holds bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron).(Source: Third Party)(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/eaSEVFZX3a— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2026 VIDEO | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) holds bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron).(Source: Third Party)(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/eaSEVFZX3a Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. French President Emmanuel Macron's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin shortly. Modi and Macron's discussions will focus on cementing the strategic ties and further diversifying them into new and emerging areas. Both leaders will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. They will review the progress made in the India-France strategic partnership. See visuals: French President Emmanuel Macron leaves from Taj Mahal Palace under tight security. > VIDEO | Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron leaves from Taj Mahal Palace under tight security. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders will review the progress made in the… pic.twitter.com/gCKSrv1aBG— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2026 VIDEO | Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron leaves from Taj Mahal Palace under tight security. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders will review the progress made in the… pic.twitter.com/gCKSrv1aBG Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed his French counterpart on Tuesday. "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend," he wrote in a post on X. > Welcome to India!India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress.See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend… https://t.co/5gDTDt6llp— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2026 Welcome to India!India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress.See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend… https://t.co/5gDTDt6llp The traffic department has announced restrictions along certain stretches in south Mumbai between 2 PM to 9 PM on Tuesday for the main event of the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’. The stretch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg from the junction of Shyama Prasad Mukharjee Chowk (Regal Junction) shall be closed for all the types of vehicular traffic except emergency vehicles proceeding both bounds. Taxi and BEST bus stands on Adam Street and P Ramchandani Marg will also be closed. At around 3:15 PM today, the two leaders will hold discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai. In addition, they will discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders will also inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and address a gathering of business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and other innovators from both countries. Welcome to our live blog. French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai on Monday night for a three-day visit, where he was welcomed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Acharya Devvrat. > VIDEO | French President Emmanuel Macron arrives at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. He will be meeting PM Narendra Modi tomorrow during his three-day visit. (Source: AFP/PTI)#emmanuelmacron pic.twitter.com/rb0ZyikqmZ— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 16, 2026 VIDEO | French President Emmanuel Macron arrives at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. He will be meeting PM Narendra Modi tomorrow during his three-day visit. (Source: AFP/PTI)#emmanuelmacron pic.twitter.com/rb0ZyikqmZ Follow as we bring you live updates!