French President Emmanuel Macron called the UPI-driven ecosystem as an “open, interoperable, and sovereign model,” emphasizing that India has built a digital infrastructure unmatched anywhere in the world.
He noted that UPI processes over 20 billion transactions monthly, transforming daily life for ordinary citizens. He highlighted that a street vendor in Mumbai who couldn’t open a bank account ten years ago can now accept instant, free payments on their phone.
Macron also praised India’s ability to “leapfrog” in technology and engineering, surpassing Western, digital infrastructure models in just a few years.
Macron’s comments came in the midst of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, where he was the guest of honour.
Today, some say AI is a game only the biggest can play…India, France, Europe, together with our partners, those who believe in our approach, companies, governments, investors, might have a different way…The future of AI will be built by those who combine innovation and responsibility, technology with humanity, and India and France will help to shape this future together,” Macron said in his address.
He also stated that the current era marks the beginning of a rapid technological shift. That is what this summit is about,” Macron stated, acknowledging the Prime Minister’s vision for the future of AI.
On Wednesday, the French President underscored the need for India and France to build sovereign AI capacity and talent, ensuring that AI development serves humanity without overdependence on a few global powers.
News Edit KV Raman
