Nice: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, underscoring the growing innovation partnership between India and France.
The flagship event, organized by India’s Ministry of Education as part of the India-France Year of Innovation, has brought together some of India’s brightest start-ups, researchers, and innovators with global investors, industry leaders, and technology partners.
The initiative is expected to strengthen innovation-driven collaboration and create new opportunities for investment, research, and business partnerships.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday as part of the French leg of his two-nation visit. During his stay, he is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to review progress under the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership and exchange views on key regional and international developments.
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the unique nature of India-France relations, describing them as a partnership built not only on shared interests but also on shared values and vision.
“Across the world, countries engage in business and strategic partnerships, but there are also relationships driven by shared vision and conviction. The India-France partnership is one such relationship. It combines innovation with inspiration and is guided by common values and goals,” Modi said.
Referring to President Macron’s previous visit to India, Modi remarked that both nations have recognized the need to work together to address the major challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. He noted that Bharat Innovates 2026 is a reflection of that commitment.
The conversations at Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice were enriching and insightful.
Engaged with investors and venture capital leaders on the immense opportunities India offers across innovation, technology, manufacturing and emerging sectors. India’s growth is powered by talent,… pic.twitter.com/kHqvORsCMA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2026
The Prime Minister also highlighted the rapid transformation taking place in India’s start-up ecosystem, driven by young entrepreneurs focused on solving real-world problems through innovation.
“A start-up revolution is underway in India. Young innovators are developing solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. India is emerging not only as a consumer of technology but also as a creator of solutions for the world,” Modi added.
Bharat Innovates 2026 has attracted nearly 120 Indian innovators, around 15 higher educational institutions, and more than 500 investors, venture capitalists, global CEOs, and industry leaders.
The event is expected to provide a major platform for connecting emerging Indian ventures with international capital and expertise.
Ahead of his departure for France, Prime Minister Modi described Bharat Innovates as a landmark initiative that will accelerate innovation-led partnerships between India and France.
