Bharat Innovates 2026 to Highlight Tech Partnerships
New Delhi, June 14, 2026 – The bilateral agenda will focus on technology and innovation during Bharat Innovates 2026, an event set to kick off on Sunday in Nice, France. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join French President Emmanuel Macron to celebrate this gathering of innovative startups from India and around the globe.
The event, part of the India-France Year of Innovation, aims to strengthen the dynamic partnership between these two nations. Over 120 Indian companies, along with key business leaders and investors from France and other countries, are expected to join.
PM Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday as a part of his five-day trip to France and Slovakia. He will be in Nice for two days before heading to Slovakia and then returning to France for two more days in Evian and Paris. A significant highlight of this visit is the bilateral summit with President Macron, marking the recent upgrade to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
In light of current geopolitical concerns, such as navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz, Modi and Macron are also anticipated to discuss restoring freedom of navigation in the region and emphasizing the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreements between Iran and the United States.
Before his departure, PM Modi expressed the importance of France in India’s strategic plans. He noted the recent elevation of their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership and looks forward to reviewing the progress made since February.
Piyush Srivastava, Additional Secretary for Europe West in the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted that Bharat Innovates serves as a crucial platform for showcasing India’s innovative journey on a global stage. He underlined the significance of PM Modi’s participation with President Macron to celebrate their shared interests in technology and innovation.
French diplomatic sources have indicated that numerous agreements focused on innovation, science and technology, and cultural ties are expected to be signed during the event.
This marks PM Modi’s seventh official visit to France since 2014, following President Macron’s visit to India earlier this year. After his time in Nice, Modi will attend the G7 Summit in Evian on June 16-17, where participation underscores India’s role as a leading voice for the Global South.
“Being invited to the G7 for the eighth consecutive time is an opportunity to represent not just India but also the aspirations of the Global South,” Modi noted in his statement.
On June 18, PM Modi will be in Paris to attend the VivaTech Summit, Europe’s largest technology event, where India will present its largest pavilion. This participation aims to further establish India as a center for innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering new partnerships between Indian and European tech ecosystems.
In closing, Modi expressed confidence that his visit will enhance India’s engagement with both Europe and the G7, reinforcing partnerships aimed at building a stable and prosperous global community.
