PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron ignited a storm of controversy when he refused to shake hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event in Paris.

The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, showed President Macron greeting everyone at the summit but ignoring Modi's attempt to shake his hand.

President Macron was attending an Artificial Intelligence summit in Paris when the moment unfolded. As seen in the widely circulated video, Macron greeted various dignitaries, including US Vice President JD Vance, who was seated next to Modi, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

However, when Modi attempted to greet Macron, the French President notably bypassed him, leaving the Indian leader visibly snubbed. Macron, on the other hand, warmly greeted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, displaying a cordial and friendly manner.

The viral footage soon spread across social media, leading to a flurry of reactions and making Prime Minister Modi the subject of ridicule worldwide.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 12 2025

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