French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed his visit to India for the AI Impact Summit scheduled in New Delhi on February 19-20, 2026. The summit, co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will focus on global AI governance, innovation, and strategic cooperation, marking the first such event hosted in the Global South.
French President Emmanuel Macron has officially announced that he will travel to India next month to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The summit, set for February 19-20, 2026, is expected to bring together global leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to discuss the future of artificial intelligence, governance frameworks, and its impact on society. Macron’s confirmation follows his remarks to the Diplomatic Corps in Paris, where he highlighted the successes of French diplomacy in 2025, including the Paris AI Summit co-chaired with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key highlights from the announcement include
-
The AI Impact Summit will be held in New Delhi on February 19-20, 2026.
-
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed his participation, reinforcing France-India cooperation on AI.
-
The summit will be the first global AI event hosted in the Global South.
-
Macron and Modi previously co-chaired the Paris AI Summit in 2025, which laid the groundwork for this follow-up.
-
Discussions will center on AI governance, balancing innovation with fair regulation, and ethical use of technology.
-
The visit will also deepen bilateral ties, with cooperation extending to rare earth minerals and strategic sectors.
-
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized the importance of India-France collaboration in stabilizing global politics.
-
The summit is expected to attract international stakeholders, positioning India as a key player in shaping AI policy.
Macron’s upcoming visit underscores the growing importance of India-France relations in technology and strategic domains. By hosting the AI Impact Summit, India is set to showcase its leadership in digital innovation while advancing global dialogue on responsible AI. The event will also highlight the role of the Global South in shaping future technology governance.
Sources: Odisha Bytes, Moneycontrol, Orissa Post, DD News, Shillong Times, Economic Times
