Handshake Attempt
French President Emmanuel Macron sparked a wave of controversy after appearing to ignore Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempt to shake hands during a high-profile event in Paris.
The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, took place at an Artificial Intelligence summit, where world leaders and top officials had gathered to discuss the future of AI and its global impact.
In widely circulated footage, Macron can be seen greeting various dignitaries upon his arrival. He notably shook hands with several high-profile figures, including US Vice President JD Vance, who was seated next to Modi, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
However, when Modi extended his hand to greet the French President, Macron seemingly bypassed him, choosing instead to move on without acknowledgment. The moment left Modi in an awkward position, with social media users pointing out the visible snub.
To add to the perceived slight, Macron was later seen warmly engaging with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, exchanging a friendly handshake and conversation.
His cordial demeanor with other leaders stood in stark contrast to the moment with Modi, further fueling speculation about underlying diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
As soon as the video surfaced online, social media platforms were flooded with reactions, memes, and commentary, with many users mocking Modi for the apparent embarrassment.
Critics speculated on whether the incident was a deliberate political statement or merely an unfortunate oversight. Regardless of intent, the perceived snub quickly became a trending topic, drawing widespread attention in international media.
The incident has led to discussions on India-France relations, with analysts debating whether it signals a shift in diplomatic ties or if it was an unintentional misstep by Macron.
However, neither the Indian nor the French government has officially commented on the matter, leaving the public to speculate on the true implications of the awkward encounter.
