NewKerala.com

Macron: Free Speech Needs Respect, Transparency; India-France Ties at Peak

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that genuine free speech must be founded on principles of mutual respect and transparency, distinguishing it from algorithm-driven platforms that can spread bias and hate. He declared the strategic partnership between India and France is currently at its strongest point, with both nations aiming to deepen cooperation in technology and innovation. Macron confirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming state visit to France in June, where he will be a special guest at the G7 Summit as BRICS president. The French President also accepted a reciprocal invitation to visit India next year, highlighting the momentum in high-level diplomatic engagement.

Key Points: Macron on Free Speech & India-France Ties at "Highest Point"

  • Free speech requires mutual respect and transparency
  • Criticizes algorithm-driven, biased free speech
  • India-France bilateral ties at "highest point"
  • PM Modi invited as special guest to G7 Summit in France
  • Macron to visit India next year on reciprocal invitation
3 min read

Free speech should be based on respect, transparency: Macron says "highest point" in bilateral ties

French President Macron defines free speech as based on respect & transparency, calls India-France relations strongest ever, confirms Modi's G7 visit.

"I really believe in free speech based on respect and transparency because this is the free speech in a democracy. - Emmanuel Macron"

New Delhi, February 19

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday emphasised that free speech must be grounded in respect and transparency, while asserting that the bilateral relationship between India and France is currently at its "highest point".

Speaking on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Macron addressed concerns around free speech, stating, "As for the free speech, first, I saw a lot of people just quoting a small part of what I say, my point was just to say I do believe in free speech, but what does it mean? Free speech means I will listen to you, you will listen to me, and we are in an equal relationship."

He criticised certain practises and said his belief in free expression is rooted in mutual listening and equality.

"A lot of people defending free speech do it based on an algorithm without any transparency, with a lot of bias, and with their own political agenda; it's not free speech. And when people clearly help spread hate speech and racist speech all around the place, it's not about free speech. It's a jungle," the French President said.

"I really believe in free speech based on respect and transparency because this is the free speech in a democracy," he added.

On the India-France bilateral relationship, the French President said the partnership stands at its highest point, with both countries seeking to deepen cooperation across technology, innovation and strategic sectors.

"And as for the bilateral relationship, I really believe it's at the highest point, and we want to do much more again because it's based on our relationship," he said.

He highlighted the invitation extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a state visit to France in June for the G7 Summit, noting that PM Modi will be a special guest at the summit. Macron also confirmed that he has accepted a reciprocal invitation to visit India next year.

"This is why I invited Prime Minister Modi on a state visit to France in June, and he will come, and he will be the special guest of our G7 as the president of the BRICS, and I will come back next year, he invited me, and I would honour this invitation to go further," he added.

Macron's comments come amid his high-profile visit to India, where he has engaged with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended the AI Impact Summit 2026 in the national capital, focusing on responsible AI governance and digital cooperation.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His point about algorithms and bias is so relevant today. Social media platforms often amplify the loudest, most divisive voices, not the most reasonable. We need more transparency, as he says. Good to have this discussion at the AI summit.
R
Rohit P
The strategic partnership news is excellent! France is a reliable partner for India in defence and technology. PM Modi's visit to the G7 as BRICS President is a big deal. Shows India's growing global stature. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
While I agree with the sentiment, defining "hate speech" is tricky. Who decides? In a diverse country like India, one person's criticism can be another's hate speech. The principle of mutual listening is good, but the implementation is the challenge.
V
Vikram M
Strong ties with France are crucial for our 'Make in India' and tech ambitions. Their support in aerospace and nuclear energy is unmatched. Hope the PM's visit yields concrete outcomes for job creation and skill development here.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the speech sounds good, actions matter more. Western nations often lecture others on free speech while their own media has clear biases. Hope this partnership is a true two-way street based on equality, as he mentioned.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50