A new episode of podcaster Raj Shamani’s show, which features French President Emmanuel Macron, discusses Trump, technology, a multipolar world, and France-India relations.
has emphasized his nation’s growing alliance with New Delhi. Macron stated that rather than aligning with any group, the two countries seek to maintain balanced connections with big powers in an interview with podcaster Raj Shamani.
Through his attendance at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, his conversations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his interactions with top global tech CEOs, Macron’s visit demonstrated the growing strategic and technological collaboration between France and India.
Being reliant on one of the two superpowers is not what we desire. In the podcast, he stated, We want good relations with the US and China.
The President added that France and India jointly showed a “third way” based on international collaboration, democracy, and the rule of law.
Do you think India and France are setting an example? Shamani said during the show.
In response, Macron emphasized how close the two nations are becoming.
Your nation and I have undertaken a number of cooperation projects in important areas. I firmly think that when we work together, we succeed, he remarked.
Macron also discussed the significance of preserving harmonious international relations.
Secondly, we do not wish to rely on either of the two major nations. Our goal is to establish positive relations with both China and the United States. He highlighted a common desire for strategic autonomy by saying, “We have, by the way, a different relationship with both of them between France and India.
“We are supporters of this approach,” Macron continued, highlighting alignment in vision.
Macron also talked about French educational options for Indian students.
I want to start by delivering the message to your Indian students. The top notch universities are accessible to high school students in France. Second, the language is unmistakably English.
And I firmly think that France offers a special blend of big businesses and numerous institutions. The most dynamic startups and innovation ecosystem in Europe at the same time, he added.
In preparation for his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day, the French president arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The French leader was met at the Mumbai airport by Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and governor Acharya Devvrat. Sunetra Pawar and Eknath Shinde, the deputy chief ministers, were also in attendance.
Shamani questioned Macron on the program on why students should pick France over the US or other European countries.
Macron responded bluntly, calling France a “unique ecosystem” that combines top universities, large multinational corporations, and what he described as Europe’s most dynamic startup culture.
You can access top notch schools and institutions in France. It is obvious that English is the language of instruction. And I genuinely think that France provides a special blend of big businesses, robust institutions, and the most active innovation and startup scene in Europe, he remarked.
Macron also talked about how his early morning jog through Mumbai was a little bit hectic due to the city’s traffic, but that it was ultimately great and fun because it allowed him to have unplanned conversations with locals outside of carefully planned official engagements.
It was fantastic, yet a little frantic due to the city’s heavy traffic. Exercise and socializing without excessive security were enjoyable, according to Macron.
You always have a certain amount of security, but you can breach the rules if it’s unplanned and unexpected.
He also mentioned that he went to a nearby train station in the evening to take in the vibe of the city after the jog.
I jogged early in the morning, and I also visited the station later in the evening to admire your stunning architecture and not just the architecture, but the city, he remarked.
When asked to identify a key technological objective for France by 2035, Macron mentioned quantum computing, which is comparable to India’s digital public infrastructure like Aadhaar and UPI.
He claimed that having a leading position in the development of useful quantum computers would provide a clear strategic advantage, characterizing it as a field in which France may take the lead because of its great mathematical talent, research facilities, and companies.
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We will be able to lead and take the initiative with quantum computers. Quantum technology, quantum computer. What is a quantum computer, anyway? The first country to create a working quantum computer will have a huge edge. He went on, Quantum supremacy.
Image Courtesy: Youtube/Raj Shamani
