Macron casts Europe as ‘safe space’ for AI at New Delhi summit

Issued on: 19/02/2026 – 18:12

3 min Reading time

Speaking at the opening of a global AI summit, Macron rejected criticism often voiced in the United States that Europe focuses too much on regulation. He said stability and trust are key to long-term success.

“Contrary to what some poorly informed friends say, Europe is not blindly centred on regulation,” he said. He described Europe as a place where innovation and investment can thrive.

Macron also said Europe wants to help shape the “rules of the game” for AI with partners such as India. He cited shared commitments to science, the rule of law and effective multilateralism.

His comments come as Washington has criticised European Union rules on major tech platforms as overly restrictive and even a form of “extraterritorial censorship”. Posting on X, Macron wrote: “The future of AI will be built by those who know how to combine innovation and responsibility, technology and humanity.”

Macron in India to expand defence, trade ties beyond US and China

A push for inclusive AI

Other leaders at the summit also called for AI to benefit everyone. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said the technology should not be controlled by a small group.

“AI must belong to everyone,” he said. He warned against leaving its future “to the whims of a few billionaires”.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said AI should be “accessible and inclusive”, as India seeks to play a central role in the sector.

Leaders are expected to sign a declaration by the end of the week to guide the development and use of AI. The aim is to balance innovation with safeguards as the technology spreads across healthcare, agriculture, education and public services.

Macron said AI could speed up progress in energy, mobility and medicine. He also called for systems that use less energy, noting the growing demands of large data centres.

He said child protection would be a priority for France’s presidency of the G7 this year. Children should not be exposed to content online that would be illegal offline, he said. France is moving towards banning social media access for under-15s.

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Investment boom

The summit also showed the economic scale of AI and the questions it raises.

India, which has around one billion internet users, is the first developing country to host the gathering. The government hopes to attract 200 billion dollars in tech investment within two years, including major AI infrastructure projects.

OpenAI and Tata Consultancy Services said they plan to build a data centre in India. Nvidia announced a partnership with L&T to develop what it called the country’s largest AI facility. Google is investing in new undersea cables to improve connectivity.

Alphabet chief executive Sundar Pichai said India was on an “extraordinary trajectory” in AI and that global companies want to be part of it.

India now ranks third in the world for AI competitiveness, ahead of South Korea and Japan, Stanford University said.

Even as new deals are signed, concerns remain about AI’s environmental impact, its influence on education and information, and its effect on jobs.

Computer scientist Stuart Russell said systems designed to copy human abilities could replace workers. This is a sensitive issue in India, where millions work in call centres and technical support.

The summit has also faced controversy. Bill Gates pulled out of a planned appearance. His foundation said the decision was taken to keep the focus on the event’s priorities. Gates has said he has nothing to reproach himself for over past associations that have drawn scrutiny.

Despite that, the mood in New Delhi has been cautious optimism. Leaders say AI brings challenges but also opportunities if guided by shared principles and international cooperation.

(with newswires)