France’s Macron Praises UPI, Says India Built Something No Other Country Has

By Sudhir Choudhary
February 20, 2026

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New Delhi, India — February 19, 2026: French President Emmanuel Macron praised India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system during an address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, declaring that India has built “something no other country has managed to achieve” — a nationwide digital payment and identity ecosystem that serves its entire population. The remarks were made at the summit held at Bharat Mandapam in the Indian capital.

Macron’s comments drew attention for spotlighting India’s digital public infrastructure, which he said demonstrates how technology has transformed everyday life for millions of citizens across the country. He cited the rapid adoption of UPI as an example of inclusive innovation that other nations have been unable to replicate on the same scale.

UPI as a Model of Digital Inclusion

UPI — a real-time instant payment system developed in India in 2016 — allows users to transfer funds directly between bank accounts through a single mobile interface, with billions of transactions processed each year.

In his speech, Macron referenced how the system has broadened financial inclusion, particularly for small vendors and everyday consumers who previously had limited access to formal banking services. He said that India’s achievement with UPI and related digital public infrastructure sets a global example for scaling technology to benefit every segment of society.

“India built something no other country has built,” Macron stated, highlighting the vast reach and utility of UPI across the nation’s diverse population of more than 1.4 billion people.

Praise at a Major Technology Summit

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 brought together world leaders, technology experts, and business figures to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and digital innovation. Macron’s remarks about UPI were part of a broader keynote address that also touched on collaboration in AI, digital governance, and economic transformation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other global dignitaries participated in the summit, which highlighted India’s growing role in shaping global technology agendas. Macron’s praise of UPI was widely covered by Indian and international media outlets following his remarks.

Global Recognition for India’s Digital Public Infrastructure

UPI’s impact extends beyond domestic use. The payment system has been adopted in multiple countries and has become a benchmark for digital public infrastructure worldwide, with institutions citing its design as influential in efforts to expand financial inclusion.

Macron’s acknowledgment reflects a broader trend among global leaders recognizing India’s achievements in digital financial services and technology policy.