An AI-generated image of French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shared by the former on social media. Photo: X/@EmmanuelMacron
French President Emmanuel Macron posted an AI-generated image on X, showcasing himself standing alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amplifying the close technological partnership between the two countries. President Macron is on a three-day state visit visit to India and is the keynote speaker at the AI Impact Summit 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
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Mr. Macron’s post shared on X on Wednesday (February 19, 2026) wrote, “When friends connect, innovation follows. Ready for The AI Impact Summit!”. The picture shows Mr. Macron and Mr. Modi with bright smiles making a heart gesture. The post hinting at France’s active interest in supporting India in the development of AI infrastructure and mechanism has garnered praise from netizens. Two white coffee mugs bearing the symbols of India and France flags are seen to be placed on the table.
In a cheeky gesture, Mr. Macron’s photo has written, “Yes, This Is AI”. The picture has also tagged Mr. Modi, garnering over 28,000 likes and over 1000 comments from social media users.
Macron’s India trip
Earlier in the day, President Macron inaugurated the Franco-Indian Center for Artificial Intelligence in Health, jointly led by AIIMS, Sorbonne University, and the Paris Brain Institute. The health facility at AIIMS is expected to provide quality health service to patients.
Mr. Macron’s nonchalant jog along Marine Drive, south Mumbai’s long coastal promenade, also took the residents by surprise on Tuesday (February 17, 2026). “It sent a positive message about health for the youth, in a city which hosts marathons”, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Mr. Macron paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace hotel, reiterating France’s country’s strong stance against terror. “In the face of terrorism, unity and determination,” he said. Later, Mr. Modi hosted a dinner for the French President. This visit follows the Prime Minister’s visit to France last year, and marked the 20th meeting between the two leaders over the last few years.
Lunch with Hindi film fraternity
Mr. Macron also took a slice of Mumbai’s glamour by joining a lunch meet on Wednesday (February 18, 2026), attended by stalwarts such as Zoya Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Anil Kapoor, Kabir Khan, Neeraj Ghaywan, Richa Chadha, and Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej.
Posting the picture on X, Mr. Macron noted “Alongside some legends of Indian cinema Culture brings us together.”
Showering praises towards the French President, Actor Manoj Bajpayee wrote,” It was an honour meeting President Emmanuel Macron at today’s luncheon, along with other dignitaries. What stood out was not just the warmth of the interaction with him, but the clarity and depth of the exchange around cinema, culture, and the role of storytelling in building bridges between countries. Conversations like these, on how India and France can work together more closely in cinema and culture, remind you of how important thoughtful leadership and cultural dialogue are in today’s world”.
Similarly, Anil Kapoor mentioned, “Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France”.
Published – February 19, 2026 12:12 pm IST
