At Bharat Innovates, Modi and Macron spotlight growing India-France technology partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice on Sunday, marking a milestone in India-France technological cooperation. Macron praised India as 'a country of innovation' and highlighted shared progress in artificial intelligence and climate change, while supporting India’s Make-in-India initiative. He also proposed expanding collaboration in civil nuclear energy, including Small Modular Reactors. Modi underscored India’s transformation from a consumer to a contributor of global solutions, citing initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and AI dialogues as examples of joint problem-solving. He described the India-France relationship as unique, driven by shared vision, values, and innovation, and framed Bharat Innovates as an invitation to global partners to co-create future advancements. The event featured 120 Indian innovators, 15 higher education institutions, and over 500 investors, covering sectors such as advanced computing, semiconductors, space technology, and biotechnology. It aimed to connect startups and researchers with global investors under the India-France Year of Innovation, launched earlier this year. Modi’s visit to France included talks with Macron and attendance at the G7 Summit, extending beyond the tech event to broader diplomatic engagements. The partnership reflects a strategic alignment in innovation, sustainability, and security, with both leaders emphasizing technology’s role in addressing global challenges.