Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that India is no longer merely a consumer of global solutions but has emerged as a major contributor, outlining New Delhi's vision for a sustainable future through innovation and technology.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 'Bharat Innovates' event in Nice, France, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi emphasized India's evolving role on the global stage.
The event brings together top innovation startups from India, France, and several other countries, serving as a platform for collaboration.
'Bharat Innovates is an invitation to the world to co-create the next chapter of global innovation with India,' the prime minister said after arriving in Nice the previous night.
Modi highlighted that India's young innovators are developing solutions that can benefit all of humanity. He underscored his government's reform initiatives in key sectors, including high-technology, defense, and innovation.
'India's reform express will not stop; it will continue to run,' he asserted.
Reflecting on the past decade, Modi noted that the world once viewed India as a technology adopter, but the country is now emerging as a technology provider.
'India is innovating for a sustainable future. India is innovating for the world,' he said, adding that innovation is embedded in the country's DNA.
'India has emerged not as a consumer of solutions but as a contributor to solutions in the world,' he remarked.
The prime minister also delved into India-France relations, describing them as a 'special partnership' characterized by connection, conviction, innovation, inspiration, and shared vision.
President Macron, in his address, expressed France's respect for the Make-in-India initiative and noted that Paris has been a part of it across diverse sectors. He described India as a 'country of innovation' and emphasized a 'true partnership' in critical areas such as artificial intelligence and climate change.
Macron also highlighted the potential to expand bilateral cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector, including Small Modular Reactors.
Bharat Innovates 2026 is a flagship initiative by the Indian government aimed at accelerating the country's deep-tech startups and research ventures on a global stage.
