Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice on Sunday, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between India and France in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, climate action and clean energy. The event, held as part of the India-France Year of Innovation, brought together innovators, researchers, investors and industry leaders from both countries to strengthen collaboration in emerging sectors.
Addressing the gathering, Macron described India as “a country of innovation” and emphasized the strong cooperation between the two nations in critical areas such as artificial intelligence and climate change. He reiterated France’s support for India’s Make-in-India initiative and noted that French companies have participated in multiple sectors under the program. The French president also pointed to opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy, including the development of Small Modular Reactors.
Modi, in his keynote remarks, said India has evolved from being merely a consumer of global technologies to becoming a contributor of solutions for international challenges. He stressed that innovation is deeply embedded in India’s growth story and is driving transformation across sectors. According to the prime minister, technology, entrepreneurship and the aspirations of young Indians are shaping the country’s future and strengthening its position in the global innovation landscape.
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Highlighting the broader relationship between the two countries, Modi said India and France share a partnership built not only on common interests but also on a shared vision and values. He noted that both nations have worked together on initiatives addressing global concerns, including renewable energy, artificial intelligence and sustainability. He cited collaborative efforts such as the International Solar Alliance and various technology-focused dialogues as examples of their commitment to finding solutions to challenges facing humanity.
Bharat Innovates 2026 has been designed to showcase India’s deep-tech ecosystem and facilitate connections between startups, academic institutions and international investors. The event features around 120 Indian innovators, nearly 15 higher education institutions and more than 500 investors, venture capital firms, corporate executives and industry leaders. Discussions and exhibitions cover advanced computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, space technology, healthcare, energy and manufacturing.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the India-France Year of Innovation and reflects the increasing depth of cooperation between the two countries. Modi arrived in Nice at the start of a week-long visit to France and Slovakia and is expected to hold bilateral talks with Macron during his stay. The visit is also expected to focus on strengthening economic, technological and strategic ties while exploring new avenues for collaboration in innovation-led growth.
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