Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the prestigious Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave in Nice, France, on Sunday, reinforcing the strong strategic and innovation-driven partnership between India and France.
The three-day international innovation summit brings together leading startups, entrepreneurs, investors, venture capital firms, researchers, and technology leaders from India, France, and several other countries to promote collaboration in emerging technologies and innovation ecosystems.
India-France Partnership Driven by Shared Vision
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between India and France, describing it as a partnership built on shared values, trust, innovation, and common aspirations.
He noted that the relationship extends beyond diplomacy and economics, reflecting a shared commitment toward technological advancement, sustainable development, and global progress.
“The relationship between India and France is driven by shared vision and shared interests. It is a partnership of connection, conviction, innovation, inspiration, and common values,” PM Modi said.
‘Innovation Is in India’s DNA’: PM Modi
Highlighting India’s innovation journey, the Prime Minister said innovation has been an integral part of India’s civilizational heritage for thousands of years.
He stressed that modern India is no longer merely adopting technologies developed elsewhere but is increasingly becoming a global provider of technological solutions.
“India is no longer just a consumer of technology. Today, we are contributing solutions for global challenges. Innovation is in India’s DNA,” he said.
India Promotes Human-Centric Technology and AI for All
PM Modi reiterated India’s vision of creating technology that benefits humanity and remains inclusive, trustworthy, and accessible to all.
He highlighted the country’s commitment to responsible artificial intelligence and digital innovation through the principle of ‘AI for All.’
According to the Prime Minister, India’s digital transformation model focuses on:
- Inclusive growth
- Affordable technology access
- Human-centric innovation
- Ethical artificial intelligence
- Global collaboration
He added that technological advancement should serve society and improve the lives of people worldwide.
India Emerges as a Global Startup Powerhouse
Showcasing India’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, PM Modi noted that the country now hosts more than 200,000 startups, making it one of the world’s largest innovation hubs.
The thriving startup sector continues to contribute significantly to:
- Economic growth
- Employment generation
- Technological innovation
- Global investment opportunities
- Digital transformation
The Prime Minister emphasized that India’s innovation ecosystem is increasingly delivering solutions with global relevance and impact.
Bharat Innovates 2026 Aims to Foster Global Collaboration
The Bharat Innovates 2026 summit is designed to strengthen cooperation between innovators, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders from different countries.
The event will feature discussions on:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Deep Technology
- Clean Energy
- Digital Transformation
- Sustainable Development
- Startup Investments
- Emerging Technologies
Industry experts believe the platform will help create new opportunities for cross-border innovation and technology partnerships.
PM Modi’s France and Slovakia Visit
The inauguration of Bharat Innovates 2026 is part of Prime Minister Modi’s two-nation diplomatic visit covering France and Slovakia.
Following engagements in France, the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Slovakia for a State Visit from June 14 to June 15, 2026. The visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country’s independence in 1993.
The trip also includes high-level diplomatic engagements and participation in key international discussions, including activities related to the G7 Summit.
Strengthening India’s Global Innovation Leadership
The Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave reflects India’s growing role in global innovation, technology development, and entrepreneurship. The joint inauguration by PM Modi and President Macron highlights the increasing importance of India-France cooperation in shaping future technologies and fostering sustainable global growth.
