Macron's Hindi farewell to Modi: 'Dosti Amar Rahe' wins hearts
Synopsis
Emmanuel Macron didn't just bid farewell to Narendra Modi — he did it in Hindi, calling their friendship 'immortal' on camera. The gesture, coming on the sidelines of VivaTech 2026, is a rare display of personal diplomacy that puts the India–France bond in a different league from routine bilateral relations.
Key Takeaways
French President Emmanuel Macron recorded a Hindi-language farewell video for PM Narendra Modi on 18 June 2026 in France.
Macron declared: 'The friendship between India and France is immortal' — speaking in Hindi.
Modi and Macron jointly addressed VivaTech 2026 in Paris , Europe's largest tech and start-up event.
PM Modi highlighted India's vision for human-centric AI and growing India–France tech cooperation .
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called France India's 'strongest bilateral relationship' globally.
Macron confirmed he will visit India in February next year.
French President Emmanuel Macron recorded a heartfelt farewell video message in Hindi for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 18 June, as the Indian leader wrapped up his visit to France — a gesture that drew widespread attention and underscored the personal warmth at the heart of the India–France bilateral relationship.
Macron's Hindi Message
Speaking directly in Hindi, Macron said: 'Dear friend Narendra, I am very happy that you are in Nice, Evian, or Paris. I am very happy to welcome you here. The friendship between India and France is immortal.' He then switched to English to deepen his tribute.
'I hope it was correct, but my dear Narendra, dear Prime Minister, I wanted to thank you so much for your friendship... France loves you... I am so happy you are here with so many friends before going back to Delhi. I will come to visit you next February, but you are my true friend... We love you. Take care,' Macron concluded.
VivaTech 2026: Modi and Macron on the Global Tech Stage
Earlier on the same day, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron jointly participated in VivaTech 2026 in Paris — Europe's largest technology and start-up event. Addressing an audience of tech entrepreneurs, start-ups, investors, and business leaders, Modi outlined India's vision for a human-centric AI and frontier technologies, and highlighted the expanding scope of India–France cooperation in emerging sectors.
Modi noted that technology had driven transformative change across India — from digital payments and AI-enabled agricultural progress to cutting-edge space applications. Following the keynote, both leaders interacted with Indian start-ups and innovators showcasing practical solutions in industry, healthcare, sustainability, and mobility.
India–France: 'Strongest Bilateral Relationship'
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the India–France relationship as India's 'strongest bilateral relationship' at the global scale, citing deep collaboration in sectors including space and defence. This visit reinforces a partnership that has grown steadily across successive summits and state visits.
What Comes Next
President Macron confirmed he would visit India in February, signalling continuity in high-level diplomatic engagement. The visit is expected to build on the momentum from VivaTech and advance bilateral agreements in technology, defence, and clean energy — areas where the two nations have been deepening ties.
Point of View
And India's push for human-centric AI framing is a direct play for standard-setting influence in global tech governance. Macron's February visit will be the real test of whether this chemistry converts into concrete agreements on defence supply chains, semiconductor cooperation, and civil nuclear energy — areas where France and India have long talked more than they have delivered.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Macron say to PM Modi in Hindi?
Macron told Modi in Hindi: 'Dear friend Narendra, I am very happy that you are in Nice, Evian, or Paris. The friendship between India and France is immortal.' He then switched to English, saying France loves Modi and that he would visit India in February.
Why did Macron record a Hindi message for PM Modi?
The Hindi farewell video was a personal gesture by Macron to highlight the deep bond between the two leaders and the broader India–France friendship. It came as PM Modi concluded a visit to France that included participation in VivaTech 2026.
What is VivaTech 2026 and why did Modi attend?
VivaTech 2026 is Europe's largest technology and start-up event, held in Paris. PM Modi attended alongside President Macron to address tech entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders, outlining India's vision for human-centric AI and the growing India–France cooperation in emerging technologies.
What did Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri say about India–France ties?
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described France as India's 'strongest bilateral relationship' at the global scale, pointing to collaboration in significant sectors including space and defence.
When will Macron visit India next?
President Macron confirmed during his farewell remarks that he plans to visit India in February, continuing the high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
