At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, French President Emmanuel Macron lauded India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), calling it the most inclusive digital payment system globally. He highlighted India’s digital identity framework for 1.4 billion citizens, praised its transformative impact, and urged global cooperation in responsible AI development.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a keynote at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where he praised India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) as a groundbreaking model of digital inclusion. Macron emphasized that “no country has built a digital system like India,” pointing to UPI’s ability to empower citizens across all economic levels.
He illustrated India’s digital leap with the example of a Mumbai street vendor who, a decade ago, struggled to open a bank account but today can accept instant, free digital payments. Macron also commended India’s digital identity system covering 1.4 billion people, describing it as a foundation for equitable access to financial and technological services.
Beyond payments, Macron urged India, France, and Europe to collaborate on responsible AI frameworks, stressing the need for innovation that remains human-centric. He also called for stronger safeguards, including restrictions on social media use for children under 15, to ensure technology supports society responsibly.
Key Highlights
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Global Recognition: Macron praised UPI as the world’s most inclusive digital payment system.
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Digital Identity: India’s Aadhaar-linked framework covers 1.4 billion citizens.
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Transformative Impact: UPI empowers small vendors and everyday transactions nationwide.
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Responsible AI: Macron urged India–France–Europe cooperation on ethical AI.
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Social Safeguards: Advocated banning social media for under-15s.
This recognition underscores India’s leadership in digital innovation and positions UPI as a model for global financial inclusion.
Sources: The Financial Express, Republic World, India Today