VIDEO: French president’s Modi handshake snub goes viral

A viral video has shown French President Emmanuel Macron ignoring a handshake with Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, sparking mixed reactions online.

As per the details, the footage showed Macron greeting foreign leaders with a handshake at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris. However, he ignored Modi despite the latter’s attempts to shake his hand.

Macron was seen shaking hands with leaders in the row right behind Modi while the rather confused Indian premier looks on, abruptly starting to wave moments later. To counter the awkwardness, Modi was then seen turning to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who shook his hand.

While some internet users call it an embarrassment for Modi, others seem curious about the alleged snub. A user on X (formerly Twitter) asked, “French President Macron ignored Modi while Modi offered a handshake while sitting! Isn’t this an international embarrassment?”

“French President Emmanuel Macron didn't shake hands with PM Modi despite being attempted multiple times by him. This is a blatant disregard of PM at the world forum [sic],” said another user.

A third user wondered if the snub was related to any diplomatic tensions or was simply an awkward moment.

“Emmanuel Macron shouldn't have done this with World Number 1 leader Narendra Modi G tried three times to shake hands with him, but he intentionally ignored. Sh@me on you, Macron [sic],” wrote a user.

Another opined that it was diplomatic blunder by Modi. “Macron greets leaders but skips Modi’s handshake. A telling moment on the world stage! India’s global image under BJP keeps taking hits.”

“French President Macron shook hands with world leaders but blatantly ignored Indian PM Modi. Macron’s software refused to detect Modi,” quipped one.

Meanwhile, some tweeted that the Indian PM had already shaken hands before the clip was recorded, and the two later entered the conference hall together, greeting other leaders.

“Why was Modi getting up to shake hands again, then? Emmanuel Macron ignored him for the second time and met other leaders. If he already met with Modi, then why did he try for the second time? Don't work like Modi's PR agency,” replied a user.