Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron praised India’s growing dominance in global innovation, mentioning that several major global corporations, including Chanel, Alphabet and Adobe, are led by Indian-origin CEOs.
His remarks came as India and France elevated their ties to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’, pointing to deeper cooperation across technology, defense and innovation. Addressing the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai, Macron said India is no longer just participating in global innovation but leading it.
“India does not just participate in global innovation; India leads it," he said, referencing Indian-origin leaders at companies such as Alphabet, Microsoft, IBM, Adobe, Palo Alto Networks and Chanel. He added that the real question now is who will innovate alongside India.
“The question is no longer whether India innovates. The question is, who will innovate with India? And France is the only clear answer. We are here. We want to be here with you. And we are not leaving."
Macron hailed the strength of India-France ties, invoking a popular cultural reference: “‘Jai ho’, as we say in the famous movie. So long live the Indo-French relationship."
He also announced that an Innovation Day would be organized ahead of the upcoming G7 Summit, led by Franco-Indian initiatives and bringing together students and researchers from both nations.
“Our high-level cooperation allows us to develop next-generation engines, multi-role helicopters, advanced combat aircraft, submarines, etc. This is not just a defence contract, but a series of defence contracts. We speak about what a sovereign alliance is — two great nations choosing each other on land, at sea and in the sky, not by default but by conviction," he said.
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Rafale deal: Macron says India can count on France New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said that like the successful Tata Airbus deal, India can count on his country with the mega Rafale deal -- and possibly submarines next – while ‘Make in India’ will be core in this growing relationship. The French President said that on top of this, "what we want to do is to improve the cooperation in maintenance capacities, in terms of diversification of approach and much more". Macron further said that "We are consistently increasing indigenous components. This is part of the ongoing dialogue between the company and your government". He added that he has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit France in June. “PM Modi will be the special guest of G7 as BRICS President”. |
