AI Summit 2026: France President Macron tells AI summit he’s determined to ‘shape rules’ with allies

In the face of increasing geopolitical tensions, there is a growing sense of urgency to direct all digital tools towards an inclusive approach and India and France will jointly work to build a framework for artificial intelligence by combining innovation with responsibility and technology with humanity, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday (February 19, 2026).

In his address at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Mr. Macron said France and India shared a common vision for developing a “sovereign AI” to protect the planet and foster prosperity for all.

“This is why in France we are embarking on a process to ban social networks for children aged under 15. We are committed in this journey with several European countries being present here today, (including) Greece, Spain,” he said.

“I know, Mr. Prime Minister, you will join this club. This is great news that India will join such an approach to protect children and teenagers. We stand ready to take all necessary actions to ensure that our young citizens are truly safe,” Mr. Macron said, apparently to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

‘India, a major player’

Describing India as a major player in the artificial intelligence (AI) domain, the French President underlined the need for rules to govern use of AI.

“I have come to convey that we are determined to continue to shape the rules of the game. And to do that with our allies, such as India, because we believe in core shared values, science, rule of law, global balance. Now is the time to channel our forces toward what works. Concrete action and solutions that make AI more sustainable, efficient, and accessible,” he said.

Mr. Macron also pitched for what he described as “targeted funding to leverage talents and creativity” in the AI domain.

“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. And the journey has just begun,” he said.

The French President began his address by lauding India’s journey in the digital space.

“Ten years ago, a street vendor in Mumbai could not open a bank account. No address, no papers, no access. And today the same vendor accepts payments on his phone, instantly. Instantly, for free, from anyone in the country,” he said.

“That is not just a tech story, that is a civilisation story. And India built something that no other country in the world has built, a digital identity for 1.4 billion people. A payment system that now processes 20 billion transactions every month,” he said.

“A health infrastructure that has issued 500 million digital health IDs. Here are the results. They call it the India Stack Open Interoperable Sovereign,” he noted.