Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 event in Nice on Sunday.

The partnership aims to integrate Indian deep-tech startups into the global market and strengthen economic ties between the two nations. By focusing on cross-border innovation, the initiative seeks to elevate the strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Paris.

Modi arrived in France on Saturday to begin a six-day visit [4]. The centerpiece of the trip, the Bharat Innovates 2026 event, serves as a platform for technological exchange. The event features 120 participating startups [1] and involves more than 15 premier institutions [2].

During the visit, the leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. This review resulted in the announcement of 13 key outcomes [3], which include deals related to artificial intelligence, trade, and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) [3].

The launch of the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership marks a new chapter in diplomatic relations. The collaboration focuses on moving beyond traditional trade to include high-tech innovation, and strategic security. The leaders used the gathering in Nice to affirm their commitment to a shared vision of technological growth.

While the leaders reviewed cooperation following the event in Nice, reports vary regarding the specific timing and location of subsequent bilateral discussions. The overarching goal of the mission remains the deepening of the strategic bond through shared innovation and economic integration.

“The event features 120 participating startups”

This partnership signals a shift in India-France relations from traditional defense and diplomacy toward a technology-driven alliance. By leveraging the 'Bharat Innovates' platform, India is attempting to scale its startup ecosystem using French institutional support, while France gains access to India's rapidly growing deep-tech sector and digital payment infrastructure.