PM Modi, President Macron to chart future of India-France tech cooperation at Bharat Innovates 2026
Nice, June 14
Technology and innovation are poised to take centre stage as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurate the landmark Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave in Nice on Sunday.
The high-profile event, which brings together top innovation startups from India, France and the world, marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing 'India-France Year of Innovation' and underscores the rapidly expanding tech partnership between the two nations.
The three-day innovation conclave, running from June 14 to June 16, serves as a powerful platform to connect Indian innovators with global investors, industry leaders and academic institutions.
The joint launch by PM Modi and President Macron signals the growing importance of technology and innovation in the India-France relationship, which has seen deepened cooperation in recent years across sectors ranging from defence and space to digital technology and artificial intelligence.
More than 120 Indian deep-tech startups and over 15 leading higher education institutions, including the premier IITs and other research organisations, are participating in the event.
While the conclave may not be as well-known as major global summits, diplomatic observers view it as a critical launchpad for India to showcase its deep-tech capabilities to a global audience, attract international funding, and secure vital partnerships in emerging technologies.
The event will spotlight cutting-edge innovations across future-focused domains such as advanced computing, semiconductors, space technology, defence innovation, biotechnology, healthcare, and climate solutions.
The Nice leg also features the first bilateral summit between the two leaders since the elevation of bilateral ties earlier this year to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'.
Beyond technology, pressing geopolitical challenges are high on the agenda.
With the war in West Asia leading to US blockade of ships going to or from Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz, PM Modi and President Macron are expected to discuss the ways and means of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait.
This visit marks the 7th official visit of PM Modi to France since 2014, following President Macron's state visit to India in February this year.
Ahead of the crucial meeting, PM Modi noted the special warmth in the relationship, stating in his departure statement, "France occupies a special place in India's strategic vision. Earlier this year, President Macron visited India and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. When I meet President Macron in Nice, we will review the progress made since February, and chart the next steps in our cooperation. I look forward to our discussions on pressing global issues of mutual interest as well."
Detailing the broader visual and strategic impact of the initiative, Piyush Srivastava, Additional Secretary (Europe West), Ministry of External Affairs, stated: "Bharat Innovates is a landmark initiative that showcases India's innovation journey to a global audience, our startup ecosystem, deep tech startups, our digital public infrastructure, our advances in defence space and clean energy, and contributions of Indian talent to global technology.
The Prime Minister's presence with President Macron at this event is itself a significant symbol of the depth of bilateral relationship in the domain of technology and innovation. Especially this year, which we are also celebrating as India-France Year of Innovation."
The Nice engagements form the opening chapter of PM Modi's comprehensive five-day European visit.
Having arrived in Nice on Saturday, PM Modi will depart for Slovakia for a historic bilateral visit from June 14-16, before returning to France for a two-day stay between June 16-18 to attend the high-stakes G7 Summit in Evian and conclude his visit in Paris.
India's participation at the G7 Summit on June 16-17 underscores its positioning as a pivotal global player.
Affirming New Delhi's role as a potent representative for developing economies, PM Modi stated, "This is the 8th consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited. At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South."
The Prime Minister will wrap up his visit on June 18 in Paris, where he will join President Macron at the VivaTech Summit, Europe's largest technology and startup event.
India is set to host the largest pavilion at the summit this year, a move that, alongside Bharat Innovates 2026, will firmly project the nation as a global hub for digital transformation.
Summarising the vision of the multi-nation visit, PM Modi stated, "I am confident that my visits to France and the Slovak Republic will reinforce India's deepening engagement with both Europe and the G7, and showcase our steadfast commitment to expanding the horizon of our partnerships with the continent and beyond."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see tech cooperation getting priority. But let's not forget that while we wine and dine in Nice, farmers back home still struggle. Hope some of this innovation trickles down to grassroots.
The Strait of Hormuz talk is serious. India imports a lot of oil from that region. PM is right to discuss freedom of navigation with Macron. Global stability matters more than ever.
Impressive lineup. I work in tech and have seen Indian startups punch above their weight globally. Bharat Innovates is a smart branding move to attract VCs from Europe and beyond.
Two leaders launching a startup summit together shows real partnership. Not just photo ops, but actual collaboration on semiconductors and climate tech. This is how India builds its future.
Great to see India leading conversation for Global South at G7. But 5-day European trip seems expensive. Hope the outcomes justify the cost for taxpayers. Still, tech diplomacy is essential.
The innovation year with France is brilliant. IITs participating means our brightest minds get global exposure. This is how we build Atmanirbhar Bharat - by collaborating, not isolating.
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