FACT CHECK: Was PM Modi Snubbed by Macron at the Paris AI Summit? Here’s the Truth

PM Modi and Emmanuel Macron shaking hands at the Paris AI Summit 2025

Fact Check: PM Modi Was NOT Snubbed by Macron at Paris AI Summit | Misleading Viral Video Debunked

Claim:

A short video from the AI Action Summit in Paris, held on February 11, 2025, is going viral with claims that French President Emmanuel Macron ignored Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the event. The video shows Macron shaking hands with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and other leaders but allegedly skipping Modi, who was seated in the first row.

Social media users are claiming that this was a major diplomatic snub, with some suggesting that PM Modi is “losing respect on the global stage” due to his “publicity stunts and incompetence.”

Fact:

The claim is completely misleading. PM Modi was not ignored at the summit. In reality, he co-chaired the event with Macron and was welcomed with a handshake and a hug by the French President. The viral video selectively captures a brief moment, misleading viewers into believing that Macron deliberately avoided Modi.

What Really Happened?

🔹 Modi and Macron entered the event together—Live footage from the AI Action Summit shows both leaders walking into the venue side by side. Macron personally greeted Modi before taking his position.

🔹 Macron first shook hands with JD Vance and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, who were seated behind Modi. He then moved on to greet other world leaders.

🔹 Macron invited Modi to the stage—A few moments later, Macron called Modi onto the stage, shaking his hand and embracing him in front of the audience. PM Modi then delivered his speech as a co-chair of the summit.

The AI Action Summit in Paris is a commendable effort to bring together world leaders, policy makers, thinkers, innovators and youngsters to have meaningful conversations around AI. pic.twitter.com/kSXy0FhuIT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2025

🔹 Macron posted a video of his warm welcome to Modi—A tweet from Macron on February 11 showed a video of him welcoming both Modi and JD Vance to a dinner hosted the night before the summit, further proving their strong diplomatic ties.

Welcome to Paris, my friend @NarendraModi! Nice to meet you dear @VP Vance! Welcome to all our partners for the AI Action Summit.

Let’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/yatkrVYv9x
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 10, 2025

🔹 India and France co-chaired the summit, making it illogical to claim that Macron would ignore Modi at an event where India had a leading role.

Conclusion:

🚨 False & Misleading – The viral clip has been selectively edited to spread a false narrative. Macron did not ignore Modi; rather, he warmly welcomed him and co-hosted the summit together. This is yet another example of misinformation being spread on social media to mislead the public.

📢 FactCheck India Verdict: ❌ Misleading