In a strong endorsement of India’s technological ambitions, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that India and France will not rely solely on American or Chinese models in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
Speaking at an event at AIIMS Delhi during the India AI Impact Summit, Macron emphasized the need for strategic autonomy and a balanced technological model. He said both nations share a common goal — to build their own solutions rather than depend entirely on the United States or China.
Strategic Autonomy in AI
Macron acknowledged that while India and France may currently trail behind the US and China in the global AI race, both countries are firmly competing. He stressed three key pillars for success: computing capacity, talent development and capital investment.
According to Macron, India and France are strengthening their data centers, expanding computing infrastructure and nurturing domestic talent to ensure long-term competitiveness in AI.
Boost in India-France Education Ties
The French President also announced plans to significantly expand student exchanges between the two countries. Currently, around 10,000 Indian students go to France annually. In collaboration with Narendra Modi, the two leaders have set a target to increase this number to 30,000 by 2030.
Macron further promised to simplify visa processes, especially for long-term academic programs such as PhDs. He said it would be more practical to align visa duration with the length of academic courses, ensuring a smoother experience for students.
A New Global Tech Alternative
Macron’s remarks underline a broader vision where Delhi and Paris aim to create a new global alternative in emerging technologies. He stated that innovation must become an integral part of both nations’ future strategies and should serve humanity and shared global interests.
The statement signals that the future of AI and advanced technologies may no longer be limited to Silicon Valley or Beijing, as India and France position themselves as key players in shaping a balanced, multipolar digital world.
