French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday posted an AI-generated image of himself with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X, underscoring the deepening technology cooperation between France and India.
Macron is in India to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, one of the largest global forums dedicated to artificial intelligence. Held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the landmark event brought together policy makers, industry leaders and technology experts from around the world.
The AI-generated image shows the two leaders standing together with their hands forming a heart shape, with several screens and computer systems visible in the background. On the table in front of them are two white mugs printed with the national flags of France and India, symbolizing the close partnership between the two countries.
Sharing the image on X, the French president said: “When friends come together, innovation follows. Ready for the AI impact summit.” Another line shown in the image read: “Yes, this is AI,” emphasizing the summit’s focus on emerging technologies.
Highlights of Macron’s trip
Macron landed in Mumbai late on Monday and a day later held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on cooperation in industry, defence, clean energy, space and new technologies.
After the talks, India and France also announced a joint statement of intent to cooperate in the field of critical minerals, with Indian Ambassador to France Sanjeev Kumar Singla saying, “In terms of critical and emerging technology, we have decided to form a joint group for the development of advanced technologies as well as a joint statement of intent to cooperate in the field of critical minerals.”
“There is also a letter of intent to establish a center for advanced materials between our science and technology department and a French institution called CNRS, which is one of the world’s largest scientific institutions, particularly focused on basic research. We have also signed an amendment to the double taxation agreement between the two countries,” he added.
The French President and Prime Minister Modi jointly launched the Sino-French Year of Innovation 2026 at the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
“Today, two innovation hubs are coming together,” Modi said during the inauguration. “I and President Macron have decided to celebrate 2026 as the Indo-French Year of Innovation. This is also our commitment to innovate, to lead,” Modi added.
“Innovation is the driving force of our economic growth. It will help solve big challenges from climate problems to inequality,” the French president said during the inauguration.
France and India have been working hand in hand to advance science for years, he said, adding: “We have strengthened our technological sovereignty while supporting our national industries. Our partnership is strong and relies on countless joint projects.”
Macron also invited PM Modi to attend the 52nd G7 summit in France to be held this June.