Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly launched the ‘Bharat Innovates’ showcase in Nice, France, spotlighting India’s rise as a global innovation powerhouse and reinforcing technology cooperation between the two countries.
The event was held on the sidelines of the United Nations Ocean Conference and brought together policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators from India and France. The showcase featured Indian advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, clean technology, deep-tech innovation and sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said innovation is deeply rooted in India’s culture and has become a key driver of the country’s economic growth. He noted that India has emerged as one of the world’s leading startup hubs, supported by a strong ecosystem of entrepreneurs, researchers and technology professionals.
Modi highlighted the success of initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India and the country’s digital public infrastructure, which have expanded access to services and created new opportunities for innovation. He said India’s focus on technology and entrepreneurship is helping address challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture and financial inclusion.
French President Macron praised India’s technological achievements and emphasised the importance of deeper cooperation between the two countries in innovation, research and emerging technologies. He said France and India share a common vision of leveraging technology for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The two leaders also held bilateral talks covering strategic partnership, trade, defence, clean energy, artificial intelligence and climate action. They discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between startups, research institutions and private-sector companies in both countries.
Officials said the ‘Bharat Innovates’ initiative aims to showcase India’s innovation capabilities to global investors and encourage partnerships between Indian and French businesses. The platform is expected to facilitate exchanges in advanced technologies, digital solutions and sustainable development projects.
The event reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and France, which has expanded significantly in recent years across defence, space, technology and economic cooperation.
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