Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Nice on Sunday and jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026, a flagship event aimed at strengthening innovation-led cooperation between India and France across emerging technologies, startups and research-driven industries.
The meeting formed part of Modi’s visit to France and comes as both countries mark the India-France Year of Innovation, an initiative designed to deepen collaboration in sectors ranging from artificial intelligence and semiconductors to climate technology and advanced manufacturing.
Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Modi said he was pleased to meet Macron once again and thanked the French leader for participating in Bharat Innovates 2026. The event brings together startups, investors, researchers and industry leaders from both countries, creating a platform to explore partnerships in next-generation technologies.
Addressing participants at the event, Modi said India is increasingly positioning itself not just as a consumer of technology but as a creator of solutions for global challenges. He highlighted the country’s growing startup ecosystem and said Indian innovators are developing technologies that can contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth worldwide.
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The Prime Minister also linked India’s technology ambitions with its long history of scientific and mathematical contributions, describing innovation as a core part of the country’s identity. He said India’s approach to artificial intelligence is centred on ensuring that technological progress benefits society at large.
A major focus of Bharat Innovates 2026 is the deep-tech sector, including areas such as semiconductor design, space technology, biotechnology, healthcare innovation and advanced computing. Modi also held discussions with global investors and venture capital leaders on the sidelines of the event, highlighting India’s expanding opportunities in technology, manufacturing and innovation-led businesses.
Macron, meanwhile, praised India’s innovation ecosystem and reiterated France’s support for the Make in India initiative. The French president said both nations have significant opportunities to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, clean energy, climate solutions and civil nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors.
The leaders also underlined the growing strategic partnership between India and France, describing innovation and technology as key pillars of future cooperation. Their discussions reflected a shared ambition to build stronger links between researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers from both countries.
Modi’s visit to France will continue with engagements in Evian and Paris, alongside broader diplomatic discussions connected to the G7 summit. Bharat Innovates 2026 is expected to serve as a key milestone in expanding India-France collaboration across emerging industries and advanced technologies.
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