French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday reflected on how a street vendor in Mumbai struggled to open a bank account a decade ago for lack of documents or a formal address. He noted today that the same retailer can accept instant free digital payments from customers across the country. Through this example, Macron highlighted how India’s creation of a digital identity system covering 1.4 billion people has transformed everyday life and expanded financial access.
Speaking on Day 4 of the AI Impact Summit 2026 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Macron praised India’s digital growth and its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) digital payment system, adding that India’s digital payment system now processes 20 billion transactions every month.
He further said that when India was told a decade ago that its 1.4 billion people could not be brought into the digital economy, the country proved them wrong.
Artificial intelligence enables humanity: Macron
Focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the French President said that in 2025, India and France jointly hosted the AI Action Summit in Paris and both set a global guiding principle for the technologies that will shape our societies and economies. “We say that artificial intelligence will enable our humanity to innovate faster, disrupt healthcare, energy, mobility, agriculture and public services for the good of humanity. We both believe in this revolution. Artificial intelligence has become the main field of strategic competition and big tech has become even bigger…”
He went on to say, “Some say AI is a game only the biggest can play…India, France, Europe, along with our partners, those who believe in our approach, companies, governments, investors, can have a different way…The future of AI will be built by those who combine innovation and responsibility, technology with humanity, and India and France will help shape that future together. (sic)
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The purpose of holding the AI Summit
He also highlighted the importance of holding the AI Impact Summit, saying the purpose is not to do more, but to say, “Let’s do better together.” According to Macron, artificial intelligence can significantly increase productivity while reshaping labor markets, underscoring the need for broad and fair access to artificial intelligence. India and France share a common vision: the development of a sovereign artificial intelligence that protects the planet while promoting inclusive prosperity.
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Last year in Paris, the focus was on the event. This year in Delhi, the emphasis is on impact. At its core, however, the idea is simple: to develop artificial intelligence together. Artificial intelligence and digital transformation will remain central themes in the coming months, Macron added.
Macron calls for a ban on social media for under-15s
Highlighting the G7’s priorities, Macron said the grouping would focus on protecting children from artificial intelligence and digital abuse, adding that there was no reason for children to be exposed online. He added: “Our platforms, governments and regulators should work together to make the internet and social media a safe space. That is why we are embarking on the process of banning social media for children under 15 in France and we are committed to this journey, with several European countries represented here today. Greece, Spain. I know PM Modi, you will join this club, you will protect children. This is great news that all of India will take the necessary steps. to ensure that our young citizens are truly safe, and we should work with all willing partners to make this vision a reality for all…”
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India’s UPI transactions are breaking even ₹230 trillion marks: Govt
As reported by PTI, the total value of transactions processed through India’s UPI has hit a record ₹230 trillion in the current financial year to December. During the budget session in the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Pankaj Chaudhary said that domestic UPI transactions made ₹230 crore by December 2025-26 as compared to Rs ₹139 crore recorded in 2022-23.