India no longer just consumes solutions; it creates them for the world: PM Modi in France
Nice: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India's growing role as a global innovation powerhouse, saying the country has moved beyond merely adopting solutions developed elsewhere and is now actively contributing solutions to challenges faced worldwide.
Addressing the Bharat Innovates 2026 event in Nice alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi said innovation has become an integral part of India's identity and is deeply embedded in the nation's culture and way of thinking.
PM Modi described the India-France relationship as a unique partnership built on trust, shared values and a common vision for the future.
According to him, the bilateral ties are driven by connection, conviction, inspiration, innovation and a collective commitment to addressing global challenges.
PM Modi also praised India's thriving startup and technology ecosystem, noting that young Indian innovators are creating cutting-edge solutions with the potential to benefit people across the world.
He said India's innovation journey is no longer limited to domestic needs but is increasingly contributing to global progress in areas ranging from technology to sustainability.
French President Macron, who jointly inaugurated the event with Modi, described India as a nation driven by innovation and praised the expanding collaboration between the two countries.
He said Paris strongly supports India's Make-in-India initiative and has partnered with New Delhi across several strategic sectors.
Macron pointed to artificial intelligence and climate action as key areas where India and France have developed a strong and meaningful partnership.
He also underscored the potential for deeper cooperation in civil nuclear energy, including emerging technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Focus on deep-tech collaboration
Bharat Innovates 2026 is a flagship platform aimed at showcasing India's deep-tech ecosystem and connecting startups with global investors and industry leaders.
The event has brought together leading startups, venture capital firms and innovation stakeholders from India, France and several other countries.
Modi is currently on a visit to France, where he is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Macron and participate in the upcoming G7 Summit. His week-long overseas tour also includes a two-day visit to Slovakia.
The event underscored the growing strategic partnership between India and France, with both nations seeking to deepen cooperation in technology, clean energy, innovation and emerging industries.