Mumbai | Emphasising innovation, trust and shared global leadership, Narendra Modi inaugurated the India–France Innovation Forum in Mumbai with a powerful address that set the tone for a new era of technological collaboration between the two nations. Addressing Emmanuel Macron as “My Dear Friend,” the Prime Minister declared 2026 as the India–France Year of Innovation, describing it not merely as a celebration but as a shared commitment — “Commitment to Innovate, Commitment to Lead.”
Calling India and France two major global innovation hubs, the Prime Minister said their partnership is rooted not only in innovation but also in deep trust and shared values. He noted that cooperation in strategic technology sectors has strengthened bilateral ties to the level of a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
India’s Innovation Journey: From Ancient Wisdom to 21st Century Leadership
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s centuries-old tradition of innovation in mathematics, medicine, metallurgy and architecture, stating that in the 21st century, India’s youth are advancing with the spirit of “Innovate for Global Good.”
He pointed out that under the Startup India initiative, India has emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world within a decade. From just four unicorns in 2014, India now has over 120 unicorns with a combined valuation exceeding 350 billion dollars. Nearly every major global technology company today is connected in some way with Indian startups and innovation.
Strong Ecosystem from Schools to Industry
The Prime Minister said that over the past decade, India has built a conducive innovation ecosystem from schools to industries. From Atal Innovation Mission and Atal Tinkering Labs in schools to mentorship, scholarships and startup capital, a strong support network has been established.
He noted that India now hosts one of the world’s largest hackathon ecosystems, with growing private-sector research support. With Startup India 2.0, capital mobilisation is being directed toward deep-tech innovation.
The Atal Innovation Mission will complete a decade on 24 February and has grown into one of the world’s largest grassroots innovation movements, with over 10,000 tinkering labs engaging more than 10 million students and innovators. The Prime Minister urged industry leaders to actively collaborate with this mission.
Budget Push: AI, Quantum, Biotech and Clean Energy
Highlighting India’s commitment to becoming a developed nation, the Prime Minister stated that innovation is the engine of “Viksit Bharat.” The latest Union Budget has further strengthened the innovation ecosystem.
Plans include setting up content creator labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges. India is working in mission mode in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum technology, Biotechnology, Semiconductors and Clean Energy, while also promoting innovation in textiles, chemicals, sports goods, precision tools, electronics and infrastructure.
Women Leading India’s Research and Innovation
Prime Minister Modi proudly stated that India is emerging as a strong example of women-led research and innovation. Nearly 50 percent of startups have at least one woman director, and a significant number of women are graduating in STEM fields. From agriculture and healthcare to space missions, women are leading transformative initiatives.
India–France: A Partnership for Global Solutions
The Prime Minister said that when India’s speed and scale combine with France’s strengths, new global pathways are created. France has set a target of welcoming 30,000 Indian students by 2030, strengthening youth and talent exchange between the two countries.
He announced that June 2026 will see the “Bharat Innovates 2026” initiative in France, where India’s leading tech startups will showcase solutions addressing global challenges such as health, climate and security.
Inviting global leaders, CEOs, investors and universities to collaborate with India, Prime Minister Modi said the goal is to build a future where technology serves humanity and progress remains inclusive.
Concluding his address, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Macron for his support and reaffirmed the deep friendship and trust that define India–France relations.
The India–France Innovation Forum thus marked not only a milestone in bilateral cooperation but also a shared vision for shaping the future of global technology and inclusive growth.
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