Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the VivaTech 2026 summit in Paris to highlight India's digital transformation and inclusive vision for artificial intelligence.
The appearance marks a strategic effort to attract global investors and strengthen Indo-French ties by positioning India as a primary hub for innovation. By showcasing scalable digital public infrastructure, India aims to lead the global conversation on how technology can serve underdeveloped regions.
Speaking at the 10th edition of the summit [1], Modi said the need for AI is to improve lives, widen access, and drive economic growth [2]. He presented India's rapid shift toward a digital economy, citing the success of platforms such as UPI and DigiLocker as blueprints for inclusive innovation [3].
Modi called for increased global technology partnerships to ensure that the benefits of AI are not restricted to a few nations. He said that India's approach to technology is rooted in the principle of inclusivity, ensuring that digital tools reach the last mile of the population [2].
Beyond the technical demonstrations, the Prime Minister used the platform to promote India's innovation ecosystem to international partners [3]. He said that the Indian diaspora in France mirrors the core values of India abroad, acting as a bridge for cultural and technological exchange [4].
The summit served as a venue for Modi to advocate for a collaborative global framework for AI governance. He said that the goal of technological advancement must be to empower citizens and foster sustainable development across borders [2].
“AI must improve lives, widen access, and drive growth.”
Modi's presence at VivaTech 2026 signals India's transition from a consumer of global technology to a provider of digital public infrastructure. By framing AI as a tool for inclusivity rather than just corporate efficiency, India is attempting to carve out a leadership role in the Global South, offering an alternative to the tech models dominated by the U.S. and China.
