Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave in Nice, France, on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in India's global technological ascent. The event underscores India's transformation from a technology adopter to a technology provider, driven by a deep-rooted culture of innovation.
Innovation Embedded in India's DNA
Addressing a gathering of international investors, industry leaders, and startup founders, PM Modi framed India's rapid technological evolution as a continuation of its ancient heritage. He drew parallels between modern innovations and India's historical contributions in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and yoga, asserting that innovation is deeply embedded in India's DNA.
"Innovation is deeply embedded in India's DNA. For thousands of years, Bharat has guided the world with its breakthroughs and wisdom. From mathematics to astronomy, and from medicine to yoga, Bharat's contributions have been foundational to all of humanity. Today, we are building upon this rich heritage, giving it renewed direction and momentum," the Prime Minister said.
From Technology Adopter to Provider
Reflecting on India's trajectory over the past decade, PM Modi highlighted the country's shift from being a technology adopter to a technology provider. He emphasized that innovations originating from India have the potential to benefit a significant portion of humanity. "A decade ago, the world saw India primarily as a technology adopter. Today, however, India is rapidly emerging as a technology provider. Innovations and solutions originating from Bharat have the potential to benefit a significant portion of humanity. Bharat Innovates shares this vision—serving as an invitation to the world to collaborate and co-create the next chapter of global innovation with India," he said.
AI for All: Technology Serving Humanity
The Prime Minister stressed that India's technological progress is rooted in a commitment to human welfare. He asserted that India's breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence are guided by the ethos of "AI for All," ensuring that digital transformation translates into inclusive growth and social stability.
"Today, India's top priority is technology that serves humanity—innovation centred around people. This guiding principle has driven our digital revolution and lies at the core of India's digital public infrastructure. Our AI vision is built on the concept of 'AI for All,' dedicated to the welfare and happiness of every individual," PM Modi said.
Bharat Innovates 2026: A Platform for Global Collaboration
Held from June 14 to 16 in Nice, Bharat Innovates 2026 serves as the centrepiece of the India-France Year of Innovation. The conclave brings together 120 Indian deep-tech innovators, 15 leading Higher Education Institutions including India's premier technical institutes, and over 500 investors from venture capital firms and global industry leaders.
The event focuses on 13 strategic sectors, including semiconductors, space technology, advanced computing, biotechnology, and healthcare. By facilitating technology validation, pilot projects, and manufacturing partnerships, the conclave acts as a launchpad for Indian startups to scale internationally.
Strengthening India-France Bilateral Ties
The conclave serves as an open invitation to the global community to partner with India in solving humanity's most pressing challenges. Following the event, PM Modi will visit Evian and Paris from June 16 to 18 for broader multilateral dialogues, including high-level discussions at the G7 summit alongside other global leaders. This visit further deepens the bilateral synergy between India and France, setting the stage for a new chapter of global innovation.
