Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of France Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates event at Palais des Expositions in Nice today. The flagship event, being held under the India-France Year of Innovation, brings together top innovation startups and Venture Capital funds from India, France, and other countries. It features innovations across 13 key sectors, including advanced computing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, space technology, clean energy and biotechnology.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the strength of India-France ties. He said, while many nations engage in trade and strategic cooperation, only a few relationships are guided by a shared vision as well as common interests. He described the India-France partnership as one such enduring relationship, rooted in mutual trust, shared values and a common outlook for the future. He said, Innovation, technology and the aspirations of India’s youth are driving country’s transformation and shaping the future.
Addressing the gathering, French President Macron described it as an honour for France to host the first edition of the initiative outside India. He said, the world increasingly sees India not only as a country with immense talent, but as a nation of innovation and a disruptive force in technology. Referring to the India-France Year of Innovation launched earlier this year in Mumbai, Mr Macron said France was proud to be chosen as the partner country to showcase India’s leading startups and innovators, fostering collaboration with investors, entrepreneurs and talent networks. He also congratulated Prime Minister Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India since Independence.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and several prominent business leaders were also present on the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, said India is emerging as a trusted and reliable partner at a time of global geopolitical and technological transformation. Highlighting India’s youthful demographic, vast talent pool and thriving innovation ecosystem, he noted that the country now has over 2.3 lakh startups under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Goyal said the 120 innovators participating in the event represent only a fraction of India’s capabilities and invited French businesses to strengthen partnerships by investing, designing, innovating and manufacturing in India for both the domestic and global markets.
The Minister stated that India and France have elevated their ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, highlighting growing cooperation in innovation and artificial intelligence. He said, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit in Paris in 2025 and French President Emmanuel Macron joined India for the AI Impact Summit in 2026, the two leaders have reunited in Nice to reaffirm their shared vision for a more inclusive and innovative world. Mr Goyal added that the celebration of 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation provides an ideal backdrop for the initiative.
Ahead of the event, Prime Minister Modi also interacted with leading investors, venture capitalists and innovators participating in the landmark India-France innovation showcase. He also joined a group photograph with investors and venture capitalists. Prime Minister Modi was welcomed at the venue by President Macron with a hug.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will hold bilateral talks to review progress in the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership and discuss key regional and global issues.
