PM Modi pitches India’s inclusive AI vision at Paris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron, participated in VivaTech 2026, Europe’s largest technology and start-up event, in Paris on Thursday. As India assumes the role of AI Country Partner at this year’s edition, the PM outlined India’s vision for inclusive artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and deeper India-France technology cooperation.

Addressing an audience of technology entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and business leaders, PM Modi highlighted how technology has transformed governance, public service delivery and economic development in India.

“In the last decade, India has been going through a rapid transformation that is powered by technology. From creating the world’s largest digital identity system to one of the world’s largest digital payments platforms, we are using technology at a massive scale for financial inclusion, education, telemedicine, agriculture and more,” PM Modi said.

The PM noted that 2026 marks a significant year for India and Europe following the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement earlier this year.

“This agreement will expand our trade and investment, and it will open up many pathways for the exchange of talent, technology and tourism,” he said.

Highlighting the growing technological partnership between India and France, PM Modi said the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation has brought the innovation ecosystems of India and Europe closer together.

“From Bharat Innovates held a few days ago in Nice to VivaTech in Paris today, our start-ups are forging many new partnerships,” he remarked.

Drawing parallels with his previous address at VivaTech in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of innovation in navigating global challenges.

“In 2021, when I addressed VivaTech, the world was facing the disruption of COVID-19. Today, the world is experiencing disruptions of other kinds. I reiterate the message I shared then: where convention fails, innovation can help,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s success in building digital public infrastructure, particularly the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which now powers a significant share of global real-time digital transactions.

“Because of UPI, half the world’s real-time digital transactions happen in India today. You can now use UPI in France too, at the Eiffel Tower and Paris Airport,” he noted.

PM Modi also cited flagship initiatives such as Digi-Locker, the PM Gati Shakti platform, and the SVAMITVA scheme as examples of technology-driven governance and citizen empowerment.

Speaking about the role of emerging technologies in improving lives, the PM highlighted several Indian innovations ranging from AI-powered agricultural advisory systems to drone-based farming solutions and satellite-enabled fisheries management.

“Our technology solutions are delivering prosperity at the grassroots level,” he said.

The PM also pointed to India’s achievements in advanced technologies, including space exploration and nuclear energy.

“India became the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole. Recently, India’s prototype fast breeder reactor achieved criticality, bringing us closer to realizing our three-stage nuclear energy vision,” he said.

With over 200,000 start-ups, India today hosts one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing innovation ecosystems. PM Modi invited global investors and technology leaders to explore the India Pavilion at VivaTech, which features more than 80 Indian deep-tech companies and start-ups.

“You will see innovations ranging from the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine and advanced genetic-engineering therapies to AI solutions that detect cancer, improve cyber security, autonomous robots, smart cities and mobility solutions,” he said.

Emphasising India’s approach to AI, PM Modi called for technology that is accessible, inclusive, and beneficial for humanity.

“Technology can lead to progress only when it is democratized. India believes that in this era of disruption, technology must deliver for all. For India, AI means ‘All Inclusive’,” the PM stated.

Reaffirming India’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, Modi highlighted ongoing efforts to simplify regulations, improve ease of doing business, and support private enterprise through targeted incentives and affordable digital infrastructure.

“Our approach is clear. Government will enable and industry will innovate. Start-ups will disrupt and global partners will scale with us. Together, we will move faster than ever,” he said.

Calling upon global innovators and investors to deepen engagement with India, the PM concluded his address with a message of partnership and shared progress.

“Work with India and deliver for all,” PM Modi said.

Following the keynote address, PM Modi and President Macron interacted with Indian start-ups and innovators showcasing frontier technologies and practical solutions in healthcare, sustainability, mobility, AI, and advanced computing.

India’s participation at VivaTech 2026 is expected to further strengthen collaboration between Indian and French technology ecosystems, particularly as the two countries celebrate the India-France Year of Innovation.