Modi and Macron Launch Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, Showcasing India’s Emerging Technology Leadership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 in the French city of Nice, marking a major milestone in the growing strategic partnership between India and France. The flagship innovation event brings together more than 120 Indian startups and technology innovators, highlighting India’s rapid rise as a global center for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The exhibition showcases cutting-edge developments across a range of sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, health technology, climate solutions, smart cities, deep-tech innovation, and digital transformation. The event serves as the opening platform for the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, aimed at strengthening technological collaboration between the two nations.
Addressing entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems. He highlighted India’s stable economic environment, expanding startup culture, and growing technological capabilities, describing the country as a trusted global hub for innovation, investment, and talent.
“India’s innovation journey is being driven by its young population, digital infrastructure, and commitment to technological advancement,” Modi said, inviting global investors and technology partners to participate in India’s growth story.
President Macron praised India’s remarkable economic transformation and acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in advancing India’s global standing. He noted that Modi has become one of India’s longest-serving leaders since independence and has played a significant role in deepening strategic ties between France and India.
The launch of Bharat Innovates 2026 reflects the broader India-France strategic roadmap extending to 2047, which was adopted to coincide with the centenary of India’s independence. The roadmap focuses on expanding cooperation in defense, space exploration, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, education, and emerging technologies.
Alongside the innovation showcase, the two leaders held bilateral discussions covering key areas of mutual interest, including defense cooperation, aerospace partnerships, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and scientific research. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in critical and emerging technologies as they seek to address global challenges and drive sustainable economic growth.
Industry experts view Bharat Innovates 2026 as an important platform for connecting Indian startups with European investors, research institutions, and multinational corporations. The event is expected to generate new partnerships, investment opportunities, and collaborative projects that will accelerate technological innovation across both countries.
The exhibition also highlights India’s expanding global startup ecosystem, which has become one of the largest in the world. Many participating companies are presenting breakthrough solutions in healthcare, fintech, agritech, mobility, renewable energy, and urban development, reinforcing India’s reputation as a leading innovation destination.
Following the launch of Bharat Innovates 2026, Prime Minister Modi is expected to continue his international engagements, including participation in the G7 Summit and a series of high-level meetings with world leaders, including discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump and other heads of state.
The successful launch of Bharat Innovates 2026 underscores the growing depth of the India-France partnership and signals a shared commitment to shaping the future through innovation, technology, and strategic cooperation. As both nations look toward 2047, the initiative is expected to serve as a catalyst for new opportunities in research, entrepreneurship, and global technological leadership.
