Nice, France |Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the prestigious “Bharat Innovates 2026” Conclave in the French city of Nice on Sunday, marking a major milestone in the growing India-France Strategic Partnership focused on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The three-day event, running from June 14 to June 16, has brought together leading startups, innovators, venture capital firms, investors, academic institutions, and technology leaders from India, France, and several other countries. The conclave is designed to serve as a global platform connecting Indian innovators with international investors and industry stakeholders.
A Global Showcase for Indian Innovation
More than 120 Indian deep-tech startups and over 15 premier higher education and research institutions, including leading Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), are participating in the event. The conclave highlights India’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem and its growing influence in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), clean energy, digital technologies, space research, and advanced manufacturing.
The joint launch by Modi and Macron underscores the increasing importance of technology-driven cooperation between India and France. In recent years, both nations have significantly expanded collaboration in sectors including defense, space exploration, cybersecurity, digital innovation, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.
PM Modi Highlights Shared Vision
Addressing the inaugural session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the strength of the India-France relationship, describing it as a partnership built on trust, innovation, inspiration, shared values, and a common vision for the future.
“Over the past several years, we have launched new initiatives together, encouraged innovative ideas, and worked collectively to address global challenges,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister pointed to joint initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, cooperation in AI governance, and collaborative efforts in security and sustainability as examples of how the two countries are contributing to solutions for global issues.
Modi also noted that 2026 has been designated as the India-France Year of Innovation, making the launch of Bharat Innovates 2026 a significant moment in bilateral relations.
Engagement with Global Investors
Before the official launch, Prime Minister Modi held discussions with leading venture capitalists, global investors, startup founders, and innovation ecosystem leaders. The meetings focused on opportunities for investment, emerging technologies, and strengthening innovation-driven economic growth.
Among those present were Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood, OYO Rooms CEO Ritesh Agarwal, entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala, and several prominent international investors.
Macron Praises India’s Innovation Journey
French President Emmanuel Macron warmly welcomed Modi to Nice and praised India’s remarkable transformation into a global innovation powerhouse.
“Several months ago, we launched the Year of French-India Innovation together in Mumbai,” Macron said. “The question today is not whether India innovates, but who will innovate in partnership with India.”
Macron also congratulated Modi on recently becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in independent India’s history, describing the achievement as a reflection of his determination and the strength of the Indian nation.
“It is truly remarkable,” Macron said. “We are honored to welcome you here in Nice.”
Strengthening a Special Strategic Partnership
The visit marks the first major bilateral summit between the two leaders since India and France elevated their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year.
Diplomatic observers view the launch of Bharat Innovates 2026 as a significant step toward expanding cooperation in emerging technologies, research collaboration, startup development, and global innovation leadership.
Modi’s European Diplomatic Tour Continues
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday to begin his France visit. Following engagements in Nice, he will travel to Slovakia for a historic bilateral visit from June 14 to June 16, before returning to France from June 16 to June 18.
During the second phase of his France visit, Modi will participate in the high-profile G7 Summit in Evian and conclude his diplomatic engagements in Paris.
Conclusion
The launch of Bharat Innovates 2026 reflects the growing convergence of India and France in shaping the future of innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. With global investors, startups, and policymakers gathered under one roof, the conclave is expected to generate new partnerships and strengthen the innovation bridge between the two nations.
