Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the Bharat Innovates innovation summit in Nice, France, on June 14, 2026 [1].
The event signals a strategic push to deepen technology and innovation cooperation between the two nations. By bridging the gap between startups and venture-capital funds, the summit aims to leverage India's digital growth and France's European tech ecosystem.
The summit brings together entrepreneurs and investors from India, France, and other countries to explore partnerships in emerging sectors [1]. The initiative focuses on showcasing India's potential in artificial intelligence and other high-tech fields to attract global investment and collaboration [2].
During the event, President Macron highlighted the creative capacity of the Indian market. "India is a country of innovation," Macron said [1]. He said there was shared enthusiasm for the project, adding, "We are delighted to launch Bharat Innovates together" [3].
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the role of technology in societal improvement. "India has huge potential in AI, using innovation to transform lives," Modi said [4].
The gathering in Nice serves as a focal point for the broader diplomatic engagement between the two leaders. The collaboration focuses on creating a sustainable pipeline for tech transfers and joint ventures that can scale across both markets [2].
This summit occurs as part of a wider European visit for the Indian Prime Minister, which includes engagements in Slovakia and attendance at the G7 summit [4]. The focus on innovation is intended to diversify the bilateral relationship beyond traditional defense and diplomatic ties into the realm of digital economy and AI [2].
“"India is a country of innovation."”
The launch of Bharat Innovates represents a shift toward 'tech-diplomacy,' where economic partnerships are increasingly defined by AI and startup ecosystems rather than just government-to-government contracts. By institutionalizing this connection in Nice, India and France are positioning themselves as strategic alternatives in the global technology landscape, aiming to reduce dependence on a limited number of tech superpowers.
