In a significant foreign policy address, French President Emmanuel Macron positioned India as an indispensable anchor for global stability amidst rising geopolitical turbulence. Announcing his forthcoming visit to the country, Macron's words, delivered on January 9, 2026, offered a robust endorsement of New Delhi's role on the world stage.
India: The Bridge-Builder in a Fractured World
President Macron did not mince words in describing the current international climate, one he sees as drifting dangerously towards raw power politics. In this context, he identified India as a rare and crucial force for equilibrium. India can build bridges between nations and help reform global governance, he asserted, highlighting the nation's unique capacity to navigate complex diplomatic waters.
The French leader elaborated on the deep strategic partnership between Paris and New Delhi, describing India as a reliable partner across a spectrum of critical domains. He specifically cited defence, security, artificial intelligence (AI), and climate action as pillars of this robust bilateral relationship. This framing underscores a shared vision for a multipolar world order where India plays a central role.
Sharp Critique of US Power Tactics and Chinese Expansion
Macron reserved his most pointed criticism for the United States, accusing it of disregarding international rules and engaging in intimidation tactics, even against its own allies. He warned against a global system ruled by brute strength, expressing specific concerns over actions related to Greenland, Canada, and Taiwan. Such manoeuvres, he argued, carry the disturbing hallmarks of neo-colonial behaviour.
The French President also turned his attention to China, criticising its aggressive commercial expansionist policies. Macron stated plainly that Europe is paying the price for these strategies, pointing to the economic and strategic imbalances they create. This dual critique of the traditional superpower and the rising Asian giant frames a world where old power centres are visibly cracking.
India's Strategic Autonomy: Key to the Future Order
The core message of Macron's speech was a clear-eyed assessment of a shifting global landscape. His commentary underlined that the era of unchallenged dominance by a few nations is over. In this emerging reality, India's strategic autonomy is not just an asset for itself but a vital component for future global stability.
By championing India as a balancing force, Macron is aligning French diplomacy with a vision of multipolarity where middle and major powers like India have increased agency. His upcoming visit is poised to solidify this alignment, focusing on concrete collaborations in the areas he praised. The speech signals a deliberate French pivot towards strengthening partnerships with nations that advocate for a rules-based order, with India positioned at the forefront of this coalition.
Ultimately, Macron's endorsement is a powerful diplomatic signal. It acknowledges India's growing economic clout, diplomatic heft, and its potential to act as a consensus-builder in forums like the BRICS and beyond, at a time when the world appears increasingly chaotic.
