‘India leads, not follows’: Macron praises India's global tech footprint, lists Indian-origin CEOs

PM Modi meets French President Macron in Mumbai (Image X/@narendramodi)

• Macron praises Indian-origin CEOs leading top global companies
• India recognized as a global innovation leader
• France and India deepen tech, AI, and space cooperation

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday hailed India’s growing influence in global innovation, pointing to the number of Indian-origin leaders heading some of the world’s biggest technology and luxury companies.

Speaking at the India–France Innovation Forum, Macron said India was not merely participating in global innovation but actively leading it.

French President Emmanuel Macron said, "The CEO of Alphabet is Indian. The CEO of Microsoft is Indian. The CEO of IBM is Indian. The CEO of Adobe is Indian. The CEO of Palo Alto Networks is Indian. The CEO of Chanel is from Kolhapur, right here in this state...India does not just participate in global innovation; India leads it."

#WATCH | Mumbai: At the India–France Innovation Forum, French President Emmanuel Macron says, "The CEO of Alphabet is Indian. The CEO of Microsoft is Indian. The CEO of IBM is Indian. The CEO of Adobe is Indian. The CEO of Palo Alto Networks is Indian. The CEO of Chanel is from… pic.twitter.com/olLxLEkti8

— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2026

He also referenced luxury fashion house Chanel, remarking that its global chief executive traces roots to Kolhapur in Maharashtra.

Macron’s remarks came as India and France continue to deepen cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, defence manufacturing and startup ecosystems under their strategic partnership framework.

The French President also reaffirmed France’s commitment to India, saying, “We are here. We want to be here with you. And we are not leaving.”

The French leader emphasised that India’s innovation strength lies not only in its large talent pool but also in its ability to scale ideas to the population level, making it a central player in shaping future global industries.

Described bilateral ties as a “sovereign alliance”, Macron also said, "Two great nations choosing each other on land, at sea and in the sky, not by default but by conviction. And our cooperation is also crucial in the space sector. The development of the TRISHNA satellite shows what we can achieve when scientific excellence and industrial expertise are brought together..."