Fighting on Twitter? PM's joke with Macron, big laugh, Trump chatter online

What began as a warm exchange between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron quickly turned into a moment of global-stage humour, with quick social media doing the rest.

Meeting Macron on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, on June 17, PM Modi casually remarked, "Nowadays, you are fighting on Twitter?"

Following the quip, Macron and PM Modi both burst into loud laughter, momentarily shifting the tone from geopolitics to good-natured jest.

But online, the moment snowballed.

Within minutes, users on X and Instagram began dissecting the quip, connecting it to US President Donald Trump’s recent swipes at Macron.

The backdrop?

A simmering digital spat over Israel-Iran diplomacy. As Trump left the G7 early, Macron attempted to frame the departure as strategic.

"There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange," Macron told reporters, hinting that the US could help mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

But aboard Air Force One, Trump clapped back on Truth Social: "Wrong! He is ‘publicity seeking’ and always gets it wrong,” he posted. “He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington Much bigger than that. Stay tuned!"

That’s the context many online believed the PM had referred to.

SOCIAL MEDIA ON TRUMP-MACRON REMARKS

"Modi trolling Trump internationally and intentionally," one post read.

Another added, “Modi to Macron: ‘Fighting on Twitter’... the sharpest burn with the calmest smile.”

Some called it a “masterclass in diplomacy with a pinch of humour,” while others said Modi was “trolling the whole situation of the world.” One comment captured the mood: “Diplomacy or drama? The world stage is wild right now.”

Another viral post speculated: "Cyprus is very important for IMEC Corridor, PM Modi told Macron. Then: ‘Nowadays you are active on Twitter?’ Most probably hinting at the Macron–Trump drama."

After the exchange, Macron shook hands with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Security Advisor Ajit Doval before heading into bilateral talks.

TRUMP AND MACRON AT G7 SUMMIT IN CANADA

At one point, Macron asked PM Modi, "When did you arrive?" Modi replied, "I reached here last night. Before that, I went to Cyprus."

PM Modi is in Canada for the annual G7 Summit, where he’s holding meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Brazilian President Lula da Silva.

Wrapping up the interaction with Macron, PM Modi even posted on X.

"It’s always a delight to interact with my friend, President Emmanuel Macron and exchange perspectives on a wide range of issues. India and France will keep working closely for the betterment of our planet."

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