Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 [1] event in Nice, France, this week.
The launch signals a deepening of the strategic partnership between the two nations, specifically targeting the intersection of talent and capital to address global challenges. By focusing on deep-tech, the initiative seeks to move beyond traditional diplomacy into high-stakes technological cooperation.
As part of the India-France Year of Innovation, the event marks the beginning of new joint initiatives in artificial intelligence and security [2]. These efforts are designed to catalyze collaboration in deep-tech sectors, ensuring both nations remain competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape [2].
Modi emphasized the inherent capacity for development within the Indian ecosystem during the proceedings. "Innovation is in India's DNA, we create solutions for the world," Modi said [2].
The partnership focuses on creating scalable solutions for security and sustainable innovation. The leaders intend for the collaboration to bridge the gap between research and commercial application, a critical step for the growth of AI and deep-tech startups in both regions [1].
Modi described the bond between the two countries as one rooted in mutual purpose. "This relationship has connection, conviction, innovation, inspiration, shared values and shared vision," Modi said [3].
Both leaders indicated that the collaboration would not be limited to economic gains but would extend to joint security frameworks. The initiatives launched in Nice are intended to serve as a blueprint for how democratic nations can jointly manage the risks and rewards of emerging technologies [2].
“Innovation is in India's DNA, we create solutions for the world.”
The launch of Bharat Innovates 2026 represents a shift in the India-France relationship from a primary focus on defense procurement toward a shared ecosystem of intellectual property and technological sovereignty. By aligning on AI and deep-tech, both nations are attempting to reduce reliance on a few dominant global tech hubs while establishing a joint standard for security and ethical innovation.
