'India Does Not Participate In Global Innovation; It Leads It': Macron At Innovation Forum In Mumbai - WATCH

Mumbai: Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday praised India as a global innovation leader, saying the country does not just participate in innovation, it leads it. Speaking at the India–France Innovation Forum in Mumbai, he highlighted that the CEOs of Alphabet, Microsoft, IBM, Adobe, Palo Alto Networks and Chanel are of Indian origin.

Not just this, 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.”

While speaking at the India–France Innovation Forum, the French President also highlighted France’s role as a “steadfast partner” in the Make in India initiative, particularly in the defence sector, highlighting joint efforts to develop next-generation engines, multi-role helicopters, advanced combat aircraft and submarines. He also added that this is just not a defence contract, but 'a series of defence contracts.'

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..."

Prior to the inauguration of India–France Innovation Forum, PM Modi and President Macron also addressed a joint press briefing. PM Modi described India-France ties as “special" and a force for global stability amid global uncertainty after he held bilateral talks with President Macron in Mumbai's Lok Bhavan.

He added that India and France share a very special relationship. "France is one of India’s oldest strategic partners. And together with President Macron, we have given this strategic partnership unprecedented depth and energy," he said. Earlier, the two leaders, following their talks in Mumbai, also virtually inaugurated an assembly line in Karnataka's Vemagal to build Airbus H125 helicopters, which is expected to enhance India's aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The two sides inked a total of 21 agreements and documents providing for the deepening of cooperation in an array of areas, including critical minerals, defence, high technology, renewable energy, and health.

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