French Prez Emmanuel Macron hails India’s leadership in global technology and innovation

At the 2026 India-France Innovation Forum, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted a number of Indian-origin leaders heading some of the world’s most prominent companies

by e4m Staff
Published: Feb 18, 2026 4:16 PM | 2 min read

French President Emmanuel Macron praised India’s global leadership in technology and innovation during his address at the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai, underlining the country’s growing influence on the international stage.

Highlighting the country’s talent pool, he pointed to a roster of Indian-origin leaders at some of the globe's most prominent companies, framing it as proof of India’s leadership in innovation rather than mere participation.

Addressing the gathering, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries, Macron referenced a string of Indian leaders heading some of the world’s most recognised organisations. He 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…” and added, “India does not just participate in global innovation; India leads it.”

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Extending his praise beyond technology, Macron spotlighted a rising figure in the fashion world: Bhavitha Mandava, a 25-year-old model from Hyderabad. He recounted her story as another illustration of Indian talent breaking barriers. “Chanel’s new creative director chose a young woman from Hyderabad, Bhavita Mandava, to open Chanel’s show in New York. She was the first Indian model to open the Chanel runway. She was discovered on a subway platform, and she walked on the subway platform in front of the world.”

The remarks underlined India’s global footprint in leadership roles across technology and luxury sectors. By listing the nationalities of these executives in succession, Macron emphasised the country’s contribution to top-tier corporate leadership worldwide.

The forum was part of Macron’s three-day state visit to India (February 16–18, 2026), during which he held talks with Prime Minister Modi and participated in events focused on technology and defence. The visit also marked the inauguration of India-France Year of Innovation 2026 where Indo-French Innovation Network was formally launched, aimed at fostering joint projects in emerging technologies.