India Leads Innovation": Macron Lists Indian CEOs of Microsoft, Google; Watch PM Modi’s Reaction

French President Emmanuel Macron, currently on a high-profile visit to India, turned a business forum into a celebration of Indian talent. Speaking at the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai on Tuesday, Macron ditched the usual diplomatic jargon to list the Indian-origin CEOs ruling the global tech world—drawing a beaming reaction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a speech that has since gone viral, Macron didn't just acknowledge India’s contribution to technology; he declared India as the new leader of the global innovation landscape.

The "Roll Call" of Indian Power

Addressing a room full of startups and tech leaders, the French President rattled off a power list that sounded more like a "Who's Who" of Silicon Valley than a diplomatic address.

• "The CEO of Alphabet is Indian." (Sundar Pichai)
• "The CEO of Microsoft is Indian." (Satya Nadella)
• "The CEO of IBM is Indian." (Arvind Krishna)
• "The CEO of Adobe is Indian." (Shantanu Narayen)

But the line that stole the show was a specific local reference. Macron paused to note, "And the CEO of Chanel is from Kolhapur, right here in this state." He was referring to Leena Nair, the global chief of the iconic French luxury brand, who hails from Maharashtra.

"India does not just participate in global innovation; India leads it," Macron proclaimed to thunderous applause.

PM Modi’s Unmissable Reaction

As Macron dropped the "Kolhapur" reference, cameras caught Prime Minister Modi—who was seated on stage—breaking into a wide, proud smile. He exchanged a knowing look with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, visibly delighted by the specific acknowledgment of talent from his host state of Maharashtra.

The clip of Modi’s beaming reaction is already trending across social media platforms, symbolizing the deepening personal chemistry between the two leaders.

This speech wasn't just for applause; it marked the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. The initiative aims to connect the startup ecosystems of Bengaluru and Paris, fostering the next generation of CEOs who—if Macron’s prediction holds true—will likely be Indian.