Macron Meets Modi: French President Backs AI, Climate, and Nuclear Ties at Bharat Innovates 2026

By Pranjal Gupta

New Delhi, June 14: While addressing the Bharat Innovates 2026 at the Palais des Expositions in France's Nice on Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron called India a nation of innovation. He inaugurated the three-day event alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said that both countries have a true partnership in critical sectors like AI and climate change.

“We respect the Make-in-India initiative. France has been part of it in diverse sectors,” Macron said. “India is a country of innovation. India and France have a true partnership in critical sectors like AI and climate change,” he said.

“There is scope to expand bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy sector, including in the area of Small Modular Reactors,” Macron said.

PM Modi Remarks

Prime Minister thanked President Macron for his gracious presence and noted that both India and France have been steadfast partners working to address global challenges. In this context, he highlighted Indo-French initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, as also those in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and the promotion of stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Highlighting the ongoing celebration of the India-France Year of Innovation, Prime Minister stated that Bharat Innovates was yet another milestone in the shared resolve of the two countries to work for the global good. Alluding to the start-up revolution in India, which was reflected in the deep-tech solutions on display, he underlined the transformative potential of AI and satellite technology for rural development, Advanced Manufacturing for sustainable living and Green Hydrogen, Battery Technologies and Electric mobility for clean development.

Bharat Innovates 2026

Bharat Innovates 2026 is a flagship initiative by the Indian government designed to accelerate the country's deep-tech startups and research ventures on a global stage. The event brings together top innovation startups and Venture Capital funds from India, France, and other countries.

Prime Minister also interacted with the startups and innovators spanning Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Biotechnology, Defence, Space, Healthcare, MedTech, Advanced Materials, Clean Energy and other frontier sectors. The leaders also witnessed the exhibition and interacted with startups and innovators spanning Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Biotechnology, Defence, Space, Healthcare, MedTech, Advanced Materials, Clean Energy and other frontier sectors.

Modi is currently in France, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Macron and also attend the G-7 Summit. He landed in Nice on Saturday, kickstarting a week-long tour which also includes a two-day visit to Slovakia.