Modi, Macron launch Innovation Conference in Nice, highlight trust and collaboration in technology

Opening the Bharat Innovates 2026 conference in Nice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi positioned India as a global hub for innovation and growth. Both Mr. Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the importance of trust and cooperation in the technology sector.

“I sincerely invite every investor, every university, every research institution, and every entrepreneur …come to India… design in India. Develop in India. And build solutions for the world,” Mr. Modi said. President Macron also addressed the gathering, which he jointly inaugurated with the Prime Minister. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and the Mayor of Nice were among those in attendance.

The Prime Minister noted that while India was largely viewed as a technology adopter a decade ago, it is now emerging as a provider of advanced technologies. He highlighted the strength of India’s innovation ecosystem, particularly in defence and space sectors.

Referring to recent legislative reforms under the SHANTI Act that allow private sector participation in nuclear energy, Mr. Modi said, “This is opening up new opportunities in clean energy, advanced reactors, and cutting-edge research.”

Mr. Modi described India-France ties as rooted in shared convictions, deep connections, innovation, inspiration, and common values and vision.

Both leaders emphasized the need for trust in technology. Mr. Modi stated that the world is seeking reliable, inclusive, and human-centric technological solutions.

“In recent days we have seen the temptation to restrict AI models, to turn them into instruments of power, and to limit cooperation,” Mr. Macron said, in an apparent reference to the U.S. government’s decision to bar non-U.S. citizens from accessing advanced AI models developed by Anthropic.

Mr. Macron affirmed that India and France support “true partnerships,” multilateralism, and responsible, cooperative AI development.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Goyal also highlighted trust as a key concern in technology, noting that geopolitical turbulence is coinciding with rapid technological disruption.

“At such times, the world looks for trusted and dependable partners, and that is what India offers,” he said.

Pointing to India’s 2023 Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, Mr. Macron said the achievement reflected not only innovation but also strong industrial capability.

India is not merely a nation of contractors but one driven by innovation and technological transformation, Mr. Macron said. Addressing entrepreneurs and investors, he also promoted France as a leading destination for AI and technology. He asserted that France is the only country whose development of Large Language Models (LLMs) can rival that of China and the United States.

“‘Make in India’ is something we respect, and we are proud to be part of it,” Mr. Macron said.

After inaugurating the two-day conference, the Prime Minister and the French President held bilateral discussions with their respective delegations.