By Admin 
French President Emmanuel Macron reached Delhi on Wednesday (18 February 2026) to participate in the AI Summit. During this, Macron has shared an AI picture with PM Modi on social media platform X. In this AI picture, PM Modi and Macron are seen making the heart sign. He wrote, ‘When friends meet, innovation happens automatically. Ready for AI Impact Summit.
Both countries are celebrating India-France Innovation Year.
India and France work together in areas like defence, technology, space and energy. This visit of Macron is also being considered important for taking this cooperation forward. Both countries are celebrating the year 2026 as ‘India-France Innovation Year’. This is a year-long joint initiative, the objective of which is to increase cooperation in new technology, research and industrial innovation between the two countries.
When friends connect, innovation follows. Ready for The AI Impact Summit! pic.twitter.com/oh4700pQ09
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 18, 2026
India-France working on AI roadmap
The focus of this Innovation Year is on Artificial Intelligence (AI). India and France are working together on a common AI roadmap, which aims to develop responsible and ethical AI systems. PM Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday. Both held a joint press conference in Mumbai. The Prime Minister described France as a special partner of India and said that both the countries have decided to upgrade their relations to the level of ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’.
‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ means that the two countries will not be limited to just trade or arms trade, but will work together on security, technology, space, maritime security and larger global issues. Earlier, relations between the two countries were at ‘Strategic Partnership’ level.
PM Modi welcomed world leaders including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva at the ongoing ‘AI Impact Summit’ at Bharat Mandapam. More than 500 AI giants from around the world, around 100 CEOs and founders, 150 academicians and researchers, 400 Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Vice Presidents and charity workers are participating in this summit. Apart from this, more than 100 government representatives will also participate, including more than 20 heads of state, heads of government and about 60 ministers and deputy ministers.