“When We Team Up, We Deliver”: Macron Highlights France–India Partnership on Raj Shamani Podcast

Podcaster Raj Shamani has released a new episode of his podcast featuring French President Emmanuel Macron, where the two discussed France–India relations, technology, the evolving global order, and U.S. politics.

During the conversation, Shamani asked whether India and France were setting an example through their partnership. Macron responded by pointing to the expanding cooperation between the two countries. “A series of cooperation initiatives have taken place across key sectors with your country. I really believe that when we team up, we deliver,” Macron said, underscoring the growing depth of bilateral ties.

He also emphasised the importance of balanced international engagement and strategic autonomy.

“We don’t want to be dependent on one of the two big powers. We want to have a good relationship with the US and China. We have, by the way, a different relationship with both of them between India and France,” he noted, highlighting what he described as a shared approach between the two nations.

Reinforcing this alignment, Macron added, “We are supporters of this approach.” The French president further spoke about educational opportunities for Indian students considering France.

“I want to convey a message to Indian students. If you come to France, you can access some of the best-quality universities. The language is clearly English. France provides a unique mix of large companies, strong institutions, and at the same time one of the most vibrant startup and innovation ecosystems in Europe,” he said.

Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday ahead of his scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He was received at the airport by Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.