Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron appeared together at the VivaTech Paris technology and innovation fair this week.

The joint appearance signals a deepening strategic alignment between the two nations in the fields of artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. By positioning India as a central figure in the summit, France acknowledges India's growing influence in the global deep-tech ecosystem.

During the event, India was officially designated as the AI partner country for the 2026 [1] edition of the fair. The designation highlights a collaborative effort to integrate Indian technological expertise with European innovation hubs.

Modi said, "India is the AI partner country for VivaTech 2026" [3]. The Prime Minister also said, "We are delighted to showcase Indian deep‑tech startups at VivaTech" [2].

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also joined the proceedings, as India, France, and Lebanon collectively showcased their innovation power. The presence of multiple leaders at the fair underscores a multilateral approach to technological development and digital transformation.

The partnership extends beyond the confines of the exhibition hall. Modi said, "The India‑France partnership is vital for global progress" [3]. This sentiment reflects a broader diplomatic effort to ensure that AI development remains a collaborative international endeavor rather than a fragmented competition.

The event featured displays of Indian deep-tech startups, providing these companies with direct access to French investors and global tech leaders. This exposure is intended to accelerate the scaling of Indian innovations within the European market.

“"India is the AI partner country for VivaTech 2026"”

The designation of India as the AI partner country at VivaTech 2026 marks a shift from traditional defense and energy cooperation toward a high-tech strategic alliance. By integrating Indian startups into the French innovation ecosystem, both nations are attempting to create a counterweight to the AI dominance of the U.S. and China, fostering a multipolar approach to emerging technologies.