Overview
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Bharat Innovates’ event in Nice, France, alongside President Emmanuel Macron on 14 June 2026. He declared that India is emerging as a technology provider, not just a consumer of global solutions. The event showcases over 120 Indian startups in AI, green energy, defence, and more.
A New Identity for India
On 14 June 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the ‘Bharat Innovates’ event in Nice, France. Speaking to a gathering of innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors, PM Modi made a powerful statement. He said that the world has long seen India as a country that only uses technology made elsewhere. That image is now outdated. “Today, India is emerging as a technology provider,” he declared. He added that India’s innovations offer solutions to a vast segment of humanity.
‘Bharat Innovates’: A Platform for Global Collaboration
‘Bharat Innovates’ is a three-day event. It brings together top innovation start-ups from India, France, and around the world. More than 120 Indian companies and start-ups are participating. They are joined by business leaders, investors, and CEOs from France and other countries. The event covers many cutting-edge fields: artificial intelligence (AI), satellite technology, green hydrogen, electric mobility, battery technologies, defence and security, and smart cities. The goal is to co-create the next chapter of global innovation with India.
India as a Tech Provider: PM Modi’s Key Message
PM Modi noted that until a decade ago, the world viewed India merely as a technology adopter. Today, that has changed. “India is emerging not merely as a consumer of solutions, but as a contributor to them,” he said. He gave examples: some Indian innovators are using AI to transform rural life; others are using satellite technology to assist farmers. Young entrepreneurs are building smart cities and developing advanced manufacturing. Others are ensuring a sustainable future through green hydrogen and electric mobility. Defence and security start-ups are creating cutting-edge technologies. “Observing your capabilities, I would say: Bharat innovates with scale and speed; Bharat innovates for a sustainable future; and Bharat innovates for the entire world,” Modi said.
Innovation and Inclusion Go Together
A key point of Modi’s speech was that innovation and inclusion are not contradictory. They are complementary. “The greatness of any innovation lies not merely in its evaluation, but in its human impact,” he said. He stressed that the world is looking for technologies that are reliable, inclusive, human-centric, and aimed at the global good. “India’s priority is technology for humanity – human-centric innovation,” he affirmed.
A Relationship Driven by Shared Vision
Modi also spoke about the special bond between India and France. “Countries across the world trade with one another and form strategic partnerships; however, there are certain relationships that are driven not only by shared interests but also by a shared vision,” he said. He called the India-France relationship one of “connection and conviction; innovation and inspiration; shared values and a shared vision.” Over the past few years, the two countries have launched many new initiatives together. They have made concerted efforts to find solutions to global challenges.
President Macron’s Response
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the same event, praised India’s innovation drive. He said that France respects the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative. “Paris has been part of it in diverse sectors,” he noted. He described India as a “country of innovation.” He said that New Delhi and Paris have a “true partnership” in critical sectors like AI and climate change. He also expressed hope for expanding bilateral cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector, including the area of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
The Context: Global Challenges and Opportunities
PM Modi set the stage by describing the current global situation. “The world is undergoing a period of unprecedented upheaval,” he said. Conflicts are happening. The impact of climate change is escalating. Yet, he noted, the challenges are matched by equally significant opportunities. India and France have made concerted efforts to find solutions. This event is a step in that direction.
A Human Touch: The Start-up Founder’s Dream
Among the attendees was Priya Sharma, a young founder of a Bengaluru-based agritech startup. Her company uses satellite images and AI to give farmers real-time advice on irrigation and pest control. She was at the event to find partners in France. “When PM Modi said India is a tech provider, it felt personal,” she said. “We are not just building for India. We are building for the world. This event is our chance to show what we can do.” Her story reflects the spirit of ‘Bharat Innovates’.
Why This Matters for the Future
This event signals a major shift. For decades, India imported technology. Now, it is exporting ideas and solutions. The world is taking notice. The partnership with France, a leader in innovation, will help Indian start-ups scale globally. It will also bring French investment into India. The focus on human-centric technology ensures that the benefits reach the poorest and most vulnerable. As PM Modi said, “Innovation and inclusion are complementary.” This is the India of the 21st century.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s speech at ‘Bharat Innovates’ was more than a diplomatic address. It was a declaration of India’s new role in the world. From a consumer of technology to a provider of solutions – this transformation is real. With strong backing from the government and partnerships with countries like France, Indian innovators are ready to solve global problems. The event in Nice is just the beginning.
Exam-Focused Points
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Event: ‘Bharat Innovates’ in Nice, France.
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Date: 14 June 2026.
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Key speakers: PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
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PM’s key quote: “India is emerging not merely as a consumer of solutions, but as a contributor to them.”
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Other key quote: “Bharat innovates with scale and speed; Bharat innovates for a sustainable future; and Bharat innovates for the entire world.”
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Sectors highlighted: AI, satellite tech, green hydrogen, electric mobility, battery tech, defence, smart cities.
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Number of Indian participants: Over 120 companies/start-ups.
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Macron’s comments: France respects ‘Make-in-India’; true partnership in AI and climate; scope for SMRs in civil nuclear.
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Significance: India’s shift from tech adopter to tech provider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where was the ‘Bharat Innovates’ event held?
A: It was held in Nice, France.
Q2: Who inaugurated the event?
A: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated it.
Q3: What is the main message of PM Modi at the event?
A: That India is no longer just a consumer of technology; it is now a technology provider offering global solutions.
Q4: How many Indian start-ups participated?
A: More than 120 Indian companies and start-ups participated.
Q5: What did President Macron say about cooperation in nuclear energy?
A: He said there is scope to expand bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy, including in the area of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).