French President Emmanuel Macron, during a conversation on podcaster Raj Shamani’s latest episode, emphasized the growing depth of India-France relations, calling the partnership “a model for international cooperation.” Macron highlighted a range of initiatives across technology, education, and innovation, noting that collaboration between the two countries has delivered tangible results. “I really believe that when we team up, we deliver,” he said.
The French leader also stressed the importance of maintaining balanced global relations, asserting that France seeks strategic autonomy while nurturing ties with both the US and China. Macron noted, “We don’t want to be dependent on one of the two big powers. We want a good relationship with both the US and China. India and France share this approach.”
Turning to education, Macron extended a clear message to Indian students considering studies in France. He described the country as offering access to top-quality universities and high schools, where instruction is available in English, and praised the thriving combination of large companies, institutions, and a vibrant startup ecosystem. “France provides the unique mix of large companies, a lot of institutions, and the most vibrant startups and innovation ecosystem in Europe,” he said.
Macron arrived in Mumbai ahead of his scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar received him at the airport. The visit coincides with France’s interest in deepening bilateral cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate technology, and educational exchange.
The podcast conversation underlined Macron’s commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering long-term collaboration between India and France, reinforcing both nations’ shared emphasis on innovation, global responsibility, and strategic independence.
