French President Emmanuel Macron on Raj Shamani’s Podcast: India-France 2035 & Why It Matters

French President Emmanuel Macron appeared on Indian podcaster Raj Shamani’s show Figuring Out during his February 2026 India visit, discussing AI, technological sovereignty, and the India-France 2035 vision, marking a major moment for India’s creator economy and digital-first diplomacy.

Who interviewed Emmanuel Macron in India in 2026?

Indian entrepreneur and podcaster Raj Shamani interviewed French President Emmanuel Macron on the “Figuring Out” podcast in February 2026 during Macron’s official visit to India.

The episode was released on:

• YouTube: Raj Shamani channel
• Spotify: Raj Shamani – Figuring Out

This marked one of the rare instances of a global head of state choosing an Indian digital creator platform over traditional news media.

What did Macron discuss on the Figuring Out podcast?

Macron spoke about Artificial Intelligence, technological sovereignty, the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, and the Special Global Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Key themes covered:

• 🇮🇳 India-France 2035 Vision
• AI for Good
• Technological Sovereignty
• Open Source AI collaboration
• Indo-French Innovation Network
• Global power shifts and youth innovation

Macron emphasised that India’s scale and France’s research strength make them natural partners in shaping ethical, open AI systems.

Why is this podcast significant?

Macron bypassed traditional media to engage directly with India’s digital-first youth audience, highlighting the growing influence of Indian creators in global diplomacy.

This appearance signals three shifts:

1. Global leaders are now choosing creator platforms.
2. The Indian creator economy is gaining diplomatic relevance.
3. Policy conversations are moving into YouTube and Spotify ecosystems.

Raj Shamani’s platform, with over 15 million YouTube subscribers, provided direct access to India’s young entrepreneurs and tech audience.

What is the viral “sunglasses” moment?

In the teaser, Raj Shamani wore aviator sunglasses while welcoming Macron, referencing a previous remark by former US President Donald Trump about Macron’s eyewear at Davos.

Context:

• At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump had commented on Macron’s sunglasses.
• Macron had worn them due to a burst blood vessel, according to Reuters.
• In Shamani’s teaser, Macron laughed and responded, “For sure.”

The clip quickly went viral across Instagram and X.

What is the India-France Year of Innovation 2026?

The India-France Year of Innovation 2026 is a bilateral initiative designed to strengthen collaboration in AI, technology, and emerging sectors.

Launched during Macron’s India visit, it includes:

• Exchange programs for tech talent
• Startup collaboration platforms
• Ethical AI development initiatives
• The launch of the Indo-French Innovation Network

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Macron elevated ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, emphasising stability and innovation in uncertain global times.

What is the Indo-French Innovation Network?

The Indo-French Innovation Network is a government-backed, industry-led digital platform designed to connect startups, innovators, and creators across India and France.

It aims to:

• Simplify cross-border startup expansion
• Promote AI research collaboration
• Support creator-led innovation ecosystems

What happened at the AI Impact Summit 2026?

Macron is attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 16–20, the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South.

The summit focused on three pillars:

SutraFocus Area

People Inclusive AI access

Planet Climate & Sustainability

Progress : Economic and technological growth

Macron and Modi reinforced the “AI for Good” framework.

Why Raj Shamani’s podcast matters for Indian creators?

This podcast represents a turning point where Indian digital creators are hosting global geopolitical conversations.

Earlier, such discussions happened only on:

• Television news networks
• Government summits
• International forums

Now, YouTube podcasts are part of diplomatic storytelling.

Macron’s Instagram engagement, use of Indian music, and digital-first communication show a deliberate shift toward creator-driven outreach.

Quick Facts About Raj Shamani and French President Podcast

• Location: During Macron’s fourth official visit to India
• Platform: Figuring Out podcast by Raj Shamani
• Audience: Over 15 million YouTube subscribers
• Focus: AI, innovation, youth leadership, global governance

The shift matters.

Macron’s appearance on Raj Shamani’s podcast is more than a media moment. It signals the rise of India’s creator economy as a serious diplomatic platform. AI, innovation, and strategic partnerships are no longer confined to closed-door meetings. They are now being discussed in front of millions of young Indians on YouTube.