French President Emmanuel Macron lauded India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission as a testament to its burgeoning innovation and technological capabilities. Speaking at the Bharat Innovates Launch 2026 in Nice, Macron specifically cited the mission's successful landing near the Moon's South Pole in July 2023 as a demonstration of India's strengths in research and industrial implementation.
Macron emphasized that India is increasingly viewed globally as a leader in innovation, not merely a provider of outsourced services. He attributed this to India's significant demographic dividend, with over a million engineers graduating annually, and its strong emphasis on knowledge, research, and training. France, he stated, sees India as a natural partner in innovation.
The 'Bharat Innovates 2026' conclave, jointly inaugurated by Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to connect Indian innovators with global investors and industry leaders, underscoring the growing tech partnership between France and India.