India and France are strengthening their startup and innovation ties as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met global investors and venture capital leaders in Nice, France. This visit marks a major step in deepening cooperation between the two nations under their Special Global Strategic Partnership. On Sunday, June 13, 2026, ahead of the Bharat Innovates Summit, Modi interacted with select investors and VC leaders from India, France, and other countries. The three-day innovation-focused summit, running from June 14-16 in Nice, will be jointly inaugurated by Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The event brings together leading startups, investors, entrepreneurs, and technology stakeholders to explore collaboration, investment, and innovation-driven partnerships between India, France, and the global ecosystem. Modi emphasized that the India-France alliance is fueled by “common interests and a collective vision” that will help tackle global issues through innovation.
During their bilateral talks at Villa Kerylos in Nice, the leaders signed 19 agreements covering AI, startups, trade, infrastructure, and health. Key outcomes include the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030, creation of a Joint AI Working Group, and expansion of India’s UPI payment system at Paris and Nice airports.
The summit will also incubate 10 additional Indian startups at Station F, Europe’s largest startup incubator, giving them access to French mentors and investors. Modi noted that India has evolved from a “technology adopter” to a “technology supplier,” highlighting the startup revolution transforming the nation.
PM Modi’s France visit runs from June 13-18, covering Nice, Evian, and Paris, focusing on innovation, technology, defence, and strategic cooperation.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
Q1: What is Bharat Innovates 2026?
Bharat Innovates 2026 is a three-day innovation conclave jointly inaugurated by Modi and Macron in Nice, June 14-16, 2026. It brings together startups, investors, and VCs from India, France, and globally to explore collaboration.
Q2: What agreements did India and France sign?
Modi and Macron signed 19 agreements covering AI, startups, trade, infrastructure, and health. Key outcomes include the Innovation Roadmap 2030, Joint AI Working Group, UPI expansion at French airports, and incubating 10 Indian startups at Station F.
Q3: How long is Modi’s France visit?
PM Modi’s France visit runs from June 13-18, 2026, covering three cities: Nice, Evian, and Paris. The visit focuses on innovation, technology, defence cooperation, and strategic issues under their Special Global Strategic Partnership.