Macron hails India’s innovation leadership, seeks deeper tech ties

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday hailed India as a major driver of global innovation and emphasized the need for deeper collaboration between France and India in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and scientific research.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave in Nice alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Macron highlighted India’s remarkable technological progress and its growing influence in shaping the future of innovation worldwide.

He noted that India’s strong foundation in education, research, and engineering talent has made it one of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs.

According to Macron, the country’s ability to produce more than one million engineers annually demonstrates its significant contribution to global technological development.

Underscoring India’s strategic importance in the innovation ecosystem, Macron said the global conversation has shifted from questioning India’s innovative capacity to identifying partners willing to collaborate with the country on future technologies. The French President also expressed pride in hosting the first international edition of Bharat Innovates, describing the event as a valuable platform for fostering connections between Indian entrepreneurs, researchers, startups, investors, and French institutions.

During his address, Macron welcomed Prime Minister Modi and congratulated him on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. He praised Modi’s leadership and described his tenure as a reflection of both his commitment to national development and India’s growing global stature.

Focusing on artificial intelligence, Macron stressed that India and France share a common vision of open, inclusive, and collaborative technological progress.

He said both nations support responsible AI development that promotes innovation while remaining accessible and beneficial to society. The French leader also warned against emerging trends that seek to limit access to advanced technologies, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the digital era.

On climate and energy, Macron highlighted the longstanding partnership between India and France in promoting sustainable development.

Referring to joint efforts in renewable energy initiatives and civil nuclear cooperation, he called for expanded collaboration in clean energy, climate resilience, and scientific innovation.

He said that by working together, both countries can strengthen energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and meet global climate objectives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026, a three-day international innovation summit being held in Nice from June 14 to 16.

The conclave has attracted startups, venture capital firms, policymakers, academic institutions, and industry leaders from India, France, and several other countries.

More than 120 Indian deep-tech startups and over 15 leading higher education and research institutions are participating in the event.

Discussions at the summit are centered on key sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced computing, biotechnology, healthcare, defence technologies, space innovation, and climate-focused solutions, reflecting the growing importance of technology-driven partnerships between India and France.