NICE, France, June 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday officially inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between India and France.
The high-profile event, held in Nice, is a cornerstone of the “India-France Year of Innovation” and aims to catalyze deep-tech collaboration by linking India’s growing startup ecosystem with global investment networks.
Reflecting on the depth of the Indo-French partnership, Modi said that while many nations engage in trade, the bond between India and France is unique because it is founded on shared values and common goals.
He noted that the partnership has evolved from security to sustainability, citing joint efforts such as the International Solar Alliance and ongoing dialogues on artificial intelligence as evidence of the two countries’ commitment to addressing global challenges.
“This relationship has connection, conviction, innovation, inspiration, shared values, and a shared vision. Based on the foundation of this relationship, we have together launched new initiatives and guided new ideas in recent years. We have also made every effort to find solutions to global challenges. Be it the International Solar Alliance, AI-related dialogues, or our partnership from security to sustainability, our two nations have worked together in finding solutions to challenges facing humanity. In February this year, the India-France Year of Innovation was launched. I am delighted that today we are inaugurating ‘Bharat Innovates’ with France,” Modi said.
The prime minister also distinguished the India-France relationship from traditional, transaction-based diplomacy. While many international partnerships are confined to trade quotas, tariff negotiations, or temporary alliances, he said the Indo-French partnership is rooted in strategic autonomy, mutual respect, and a shared desire to act as a force for global good.
“Different countries across the world do trade with each other and also strike strategic partnerships with each other. But there are a few relationships that are driven by a shared vision, besides shared interests. India-France relations are one such tie,” he said.
Bharat Innovates 2026 brings together a broad group of stakeholders designed to accelerate innovation, including 120 Indian deep-tech innovators selected for their potential to impact global markets, 15 leading higher education institutions, including India’s premier technical institutes, and more than 500 investors ranging from venture capital firms to global industry leaders.
The conclave focuses on 13 strategic sectors, including semiconductors, space technology, advanced computing, biotechnology, and healthcare.
By facilitating technology validation, pilot projects, and manufacturing partnerships, the event serves as a launchpad for Indian startups seeking to scale internationally.
Recalling his recent discussions with Macron, Modi reiterated the shared belief that India and France must work together to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.
The inauguration of the platform, he said, is a direct manifestation of that commitment, positioning India as a trusted and reliable partner in the global innovation landscape.
“During his visit to India, President Macron had said that for solutions to the challenges of this century, India and France will have to step forward together. I can proudly say today that this initiative is a step forward in that direction. This platform of ‘Bharat Innovates’ is becoming a bridge between Indian talent and European capital—a platform where India’s young minds are receiving the opportunity to connect with European expertise,” Modi said.
Following the event in Nice, the prime minister will visit Slovakia before returning to Evian and Paris, where he is expected to further deepen bilateral and multilateral partnerships, including discussions at the upcoming G7 summit.
Modi will visit Evian and Paris from June 16 to 18 and participate in broader multilateral engagements, including high-level discussions with global leaders at the G7 summit.
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