Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday showcased India's technological transformation and innovation ecosystem at VivaTech 2026 in Paris, positioning the country as a global hub for artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, and technology-driven growth.
Addressing Europe's largest technology event, PM Modi highlighted India's rapid digital progress, growing startup ecosystem, and expanding partnerships with Europe, while inviting global businesses to collaborate with India, as reported by ANI.
India-EU Trade Deal and France Partnership Take Centre Stage
Opening his address, PM Modi described 2026 as a landmark year for India-Europe relations, citing the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement earlier this year. He stated that the agreement would boost trade and investment while creating new opportunities for collaboration in talent, technology, and tourism.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, describing France as a bridge connecting the technology ecosystems of India and Europe.
India's Digital Transformation Showcased
PM Modi pointed to India's achievements in building large-scale digital public infrastructure over the past decade, including what he described as the world's largest digital identity system and digital payment ecosystem. He noted that India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) now accounts for nearly half of the world's real-time digital transactions and highlighted its growing international footprint.
"You can now use UPI in France too at the Eiffel Tower or the Paris airport."
He also cited DigiLocker as one of the world's largest digital document wallet platforms, underscoring India's efforts to use technology for financial inclusion, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
'AI Should Mean All Inclusive'
Focusing on artificial intelligence, PM Modi said India believes AI should benefit everyone and improve lives rather than deepen inequalities. He described India's role as the AI Country Partner at VivaTech 2026 as a reflection of that vision.
"For India, AI means All Inclusive," Modi said, adding that the country combines an open society with one of the world's largest pools of technology talent.
$50 Billion Incentives and Startup-Led Growth
The Prime Minister said the government has introduced targeted incentives worth more than $50 billion to support private enterprise and technological innovation. He also highlighted India's affordable data services and low-cost green energy as key advantages for businesses looking to invest and scale operations.
"Our government will enable and industry will innovate. Startups will disrupt and global partners will scale with us," PM Modi said, urging companies and innovators present at the event to partner with India.
Calling for deeper international collaboration, PM Modi concluded by inviting global technology leaders to work with India in developing solutions that can deliver benefits on a global scale.
