PM Modi, French President Macron Inaugurate India's Largest Deep-Tech Showcase, Calls India a 'Solutions Provider' to the World

Global Tech Showcase Begins

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated "Bharat Innovates 2026" in Nice on Sunday, marking one of the most ambitious cross-border technology initiatives undertaken between the two nations. The event, organised by India's Union Ministry of Education, has been described as a landmark moment in the ongoing India-France Year of Innovation, a partnership the two leaders had formally launched in Mumbai earlier this year.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said India is steadily transforming its global identity—from being seen primarily as a market to being recognised as a contributor of solutions to the world. He emphasised that the country's growing innovation ecosystem is now positioned to offer practical, scalable technologies that can address challenges faced by economies worldwide.

A Platform Built for Scale

According to officials associated with the event, Bharat Innovates 2026 has been designed as a high-impact matchmaking platform connecting India's deep-tech ecosystem with global capital, corporate buyers and research institutions. The scale of participation reflects the ambition behind the initiative.

The Indian delegation includes 120 vetted innovators selected through a rigorous screening process overseen by a Technical Oversight Committee led by Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood. Alongside them, more than 15 premier higher education institutions are showcasing research with strong commercialisation potential.

On the investment side, organisers said over 500 global investors—including venture capital firms, corporate venture arms and international CEOs—are attending in search of cross-border opportunities, underlining the scale of interest in India's technology landscape.

Focus Areas Span 13 Sectors

The exhibition spans 13 strategic sectors, ranging from advanced computing, semiconductors and space technology to biotechnology, healthcare, energy and advanced manufacturing. Officials said the breadth of sectors reflects India's attempt to position itself across both frontier technologies and applied industrial innovation.

Sources familiar with the planning said the sectoral spread was deliberately designed to attract a diverse investor base, rather than concentrating attention on a single high-profile domain.

Strong Political Backing From Delhi

The presence of senior cabinet ministers alongside PM Modi signals the strategic weight India is placing on the event. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal are part of the high-level delegation, reflecting the intersection of trade diplomacy and technology policy at this year's summit.

Analysts tracking the visit said such high-powered representation is unusual for an innovation-focused event, pointing to India's intent to convert diplomatic engagement into tangible commercial outcomes.

Investors, Officials Expect Early Outcomes

According to the Ministry, the summit is expected to conclude with formal collaboration frameworks covering research and development partnerships, startup scaling support, and smoother cross-border investment pathways. Initial reports indicate that several memoranda of understanding could be signed during the course of the event, though final details are yet to be confirmed.

Market observers said the announcements could have ripple effects across India's startup financing environment, particularly for deep-tech ventures that often struggle to access long-term patient capital domestically.

Building a Long-Term India-France Tech Corridor

Beyond the immediate funding push, Bharat Innovates 2026 is being viewed as a step toward institutionalising long-term cooperation between the Indian and French innovation ecosystems. Officials said the broader objective is to create durable pathways for technology absorption, joint manufacturing collaborations and pilot projects that could help Indian startups scale into European and global markets.

With both governments emphasising continuity beyond a single event, the initiative is expected to shape future editions of the India-France innovation dialogue, as authorities continue to assess the outcomes of this year's summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in the French Riviera city of Nice on Saturday, as the two leaders sought to deepen the strategic partnership between India and France across technology, defence, and innovation. The meeting came on the first day of Modi’s six-day tour of France and Slovakia.

The leaders warmly embraced before jointly inaugurating the Bharat Innovates programme, a new global platform designed to connect Indian startups with international investors and experts.

Shared Vision Beyond Diplomacy

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi described the India-France relationship as one driven by “shared vision and common thinking.” He emphasised that the partnership extends far beyond trade and defence cooperation, being rooted in trust, democratic values, and a forward-looking approach to global challenges.

President Macron, in turn, hailed India as “a country of innovation” and a key partner in the Make in India initiative. He highlighted ongoing collaboration in defence, technology, artificial intelligence, and climate change, while expressing optimism about expanding ties in civilian nuclear energy, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Spotlight on Startups and Youth

The Bharat Innovates event, running from June 14 to 16 at Palais des Expositions in Nice, brings together over 100 Indian startups with global venture capital funds. Modi noted that India is now home to more than 200,000 startups, many of which are addressing real-world problems in areas such as AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space technology.

The Prime Minister said young Indian entrepreneurs are no longer just consumers of technology but are emerging as solution providers for the world. The initiative aims to give Indian talent greater access to European and global investment networks.

Strong Defence and Strategic Ties

France has emerged as India’s second-largest defence supplier after Russia. Over the years, New Delhi has procured Mirage 2000 fighters, Rafale jets, and Scorpene submarines from Paris. French support remained steady even after India’s 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests when several Western nations imposed sanctions.

Macron has consistently backed India on global forums, including pushing for its permanent membership in the UN Security Council and entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

G7 Summit and Bilateral Engagements

Modi’s French visit includes participation in the G7 Summit in Evian from June 16-17, where he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump — their first in 16 months. The summit agenda is likely to cover the Ukraine conflict, Middle East tensions including the Strait of Hormuz, and artificial intelligence.

Sources indicated that discussions on a possible multilateral security arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz could see progress, with India favouring a UN-aligned framework involving partners like France and Britain.

On June 14 evening, the Prime Minister will travel to Slovakia for meetings with Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini — the first visit by an Indian PM to the country since its independence in 1993.

Cultural Connect and People-to-People Ties

A cultural programme marked the visit in Nice, where members of the Indian community greeted the Prime Minister warmly. Women from the diaspora also had the opportunity to interact with him. Modi is scheduled to visit Evian and Paris later in the tour, culminating with the VivaTech conference alongside Macron.

This marks Modi’s seventh visit to France as Prime Minister, underscoring the consistent priority both nations attach to the relationship.

Looking Ahead

As geopolitical uncertainties rise, the India-France partnership is seen as a pillar of stability. Cooperation in emerging technologies and clean energy is expected to gain further momentum in the coming months, with both sides committed to translating shared goals into tangible outcomes for their citizens and the wider world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Bharat Innovates programme in Nice alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting innovation, investment, and India-France cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the Bharat Innovates programme in Nice, France, marking a key engagement during his ongoing visit to the European nation. The event, inaugurated alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together startups, investors, venture capital firms, research institutions and technology leaders from India, France and several other countries.

The Bharat Innovates programme is aimed at strengthening collaboration in innovation, emerging technologies and investment while creating new opportunities for startups and research-driven enterprises. The initiative is also being seen as an important step in deepening economic and technological ties between India and France.

Focus on Innovation

Held at the Palais des Expositions in Nice, the programme serves as a platform for connecting Indian startups, educational institutions and research organisations with global investors and industry leaders. Officials associated with the event said the initiative seeks to accelerate innovation-led partnerships and encourage cross-border investment in high-growth sectors.

Before the formal launch, Prime Minister Modi interacted with investors and representatives of venture capital funds participating in the summit. Discussions reportedly focused on technology-driven growth, entrepreneurship and expanding collaboration between innovation ecosystems in the two countries.

Warm Welcome in Nice

Modi arrived in France late on Saturday night (IST) and received a warm reception from members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside his hotel. Cultural performances were organised as part of the welcome ceremony, reflecting India's diverse traditions.

During the interaction, the Prime Minister spent time greeting community members and was seen affectionately interacting with a young child. Many members of the diaspora also expressed their enthusiasm about his visit, with several families attending the event despite the late hour.

The visit marks Modi's seventh trip to France since assuming office in 2014, underlining the growing strategic significance of the bilateral relationship.

Key Engagements Ahead

The Prime Minister's France visit is part of a broader six-day tour covering France and Slovakia from June 13 to June 18. During the French leg, he is scheduled to visit Nice, Evian and Paris.

A major engagement on the itinerary is the G7 Summit in Evian, where Modi has been invited as a guest leader. The summit agenda is expected to include discussions on geopolitical tensions, global economic cooperation, artificial intelligence, maritime security and developments in the Middle East.

Officials have indicated that the Prime Minister will hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. Among the closely watched interactions is an expected meeting with US President Donald Trump, which would be their first in-person engagement in over a year.

Slovakia Visit

Following engagements in France, Modi will travel to Slovakia, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. The visit is significant as it marks the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country became independent in 1993.

Diplomatic observers view the visit as part of India's broader effort to strengthen engagement with European partners beyond the continent's major powers.

Strategic Partnership Expands

India and France have steadily expanded cooperation across defence, space, energy, technology and education. France remains one of India's key strategic partners and a major defence supplier.

The two countries have also worked closely on global issues, including climate action, maritime security and reform of international institutions. France has repeatedly expressed support for India's aspirations for a greater role in global governance forums.

With Bharat Innovates bringing together innovators, investors and policymakers, officials hope the initiative will add a new dimension to the partnership by fostering deeper collaboration in entrepreneurship and advanced technologies.

As discussions continue in Nice and the G7 Summit approaches, the Bharat Innovates programme is expected to remain a focal point of India's innovation diplomacy and its growing engagement with global technology ecosystems.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday night, where members of the Indian community gave him a warm reception. He is set to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron later today.

Warm welcome in Nice

PM Modi landed in the southern French city late evening, and was received at his hotel by a large gathering of Indian-origin residents. Women touched his hands to their foreheads in a traditional gesture of respect, while the Prime Minister picked up a young child affectionately. A cultural programme was also organised at the hotel.

According to local authorities, around 1,500 community members had gathered outside the venue. Many had travelled from other parts of France to attend the reception.

Bilateral talks today

The Prime Minister will meet President Macron on the afternoon of June 14. The two leaders are expected to inaugurate the ‘India Innovates’ programme together. Official sources said the discussions will cover defence, technology, and strategic partnerships.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that India and France are likely to sign around 12 agreements. These span high-tech sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, health technology, space technology, and innovation.

Rafale deal in focus

A significant part of the conversation will revolve around the proposed deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets. India has sought flexibility to integrate its own indigenous weapons into the aircraft. To enable this, New Delhi intends to raise the issue of source code sharing during the talks.

The deal has not yet received clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security. Officials clarified that a final decision will only be taken after the Prime Minister’s visit concludes.

G7 summit and Trump meeting

PM Modi is on a six-day tour of France and Slovakia from June 13 to 18. This is his seventh visit to France as Prime Minister. From June 16 to 17, he will attend the G7 Summit in Evian. On June 18, he will join President Macron at the VivaTech conference in Paris.

During the G7 Summit, Modi is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump. The two leaders will meet after 16 months – they last held talks in Washington in February 2025. Modi had participated in the G7 Summit in Canada last year, but Trump left midway, preventing a meeting at that time.

First PM visit to Slovakia

On the evening of June 14, the Prime Minister will travel from France to Slovakia. He will remain there until June 15. During this period, he will meet Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia became an independent nation in 1993.

France, India strategic ties

According to a 2025 report by French newspaper Le Monde, France stood by India after the Pokhran nuclear tests when major world powers imposed sanctions. Ignoring American restrictions, Paris continued weapons sales, making France India’s second-largest defence supplier after Russia. India has received Mirage 2000 jets, Rafale fighters, and Scorpene submarines from France.

On international platforms, France has consistently supported India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. President Macron had accepted India’s invitation as Republic Day chief guest in 2024 after US President Joe Biden declined.

Hormuz alliance possibility

During this visit, a decision may also be taken on India joining the Hormuz defence alliance. India had participated in Paris talks led by Britain in April. Officials said New Delhi favours a multilateral security arrangement under UN rules rather than any single-country initiative.

New Book Revives Claims of Brigitte Macron Slapping Husband Over Actress Messages

A new book by a French journalist has thrust French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte back into the spotlight, linking a viral video from last year to alleged private messages exchanged with Iranian-born actress Golshifteh Farahani.

The claims, detailed in Florian Tardif’s Un Couple (Presque) Parfait (An (Almost) Perfect Couple), published on May 13, suggest marital tension escalated during a presidential trip to Vietnam in May 2025 after Brigitte reportedly saw messages on her husband’s phone.

Viral Video from Hanoi

Footage from Hanoi showed Brigitte Macron appearing to slap or push her husband’s face as the couple prepared to disembark the plane. The clip spread rapidly online, sparking global speculation about discord in the presidential marriage. At the time, Macron’s team described it as a light-hearted joke between the couple before an official engagement.

President Macron later played down the incident, urging people not to exaggerate what he called a private moment of jest. Officials initially suggested it might even be manipulated footage, before settling on the explanation of playful banter.

Book Links Incident to Alleged Messages

According to Tardif, a journalist known for covering French politics and previously associated with Paris Match, the argument stemmed from messages between Macron and Farahani. The actress, who has appeared in Hollywood films like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, reportedly shared a “platonic relationship” involving emotional conversations for several months.

One alleged message from Macron reportedly read: “I find you very beautiful” or similar compliments. The book claims Brigitte saw the exchange shortly before landing in Hanoi, leading to heightened tensions. Sources cited in reports say the discovery caused the disagreement to worsen visibly.

Denials from All Sides

Brigitte Macron’s representatives have firmly rejected the allegations. They stated that she does not check her husband’s phone and described the book’s claims as false. Farahani had earlier dismissed rumours of any romantic involvement, attributing such stories to people’s own emotional voids.

The Élysée Palace has not issued an official statement on the new book so far. Allies of the couple continue to maintain that the plane incident was nothing more than harmless horseplay.

Background of a Controversial Relationship

The Macrons’ own love story has long fascinated the French public. Brigitte, 24 years older than Emmanuel, was his drama teacher when they met in the early 1990s in Amiens. She was married at the time with three children, one of whom was Macron’s classmate. Their relationship faced strong opposition from his family, who sent him to Paris to distance the pair. Yet the two stayed in touch and married in 2007.

Brigitte has been a constant presence in Macron’s political journey, serving as an informal adviser. The couple has no children together but maintains close ties with her family.

Public Reaction and Political Context

The resurfacing of the story has triggered fresh online debate in France and abroad. While some view it as tabloid fodder, others see it as highlighting the intense personal scrutiny faced by public figures. Tardif, who claims access to over 70 sources close to the couple, positions the book as an exploration of power dynamics and personal life at the highest levels.

As France navigates various domestic and international challenges, the personal lives of its leaders often become subjects of intense speculation. The timing of the book’s release has added to the buzz, just as political conversations shift towards future elections and policy priorities.

What Lies Ahead

No immediate legal action or further official clarification has emerged. The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly private moments can fuel public narratives in the age of viral videos and instant commentary.

Observers note that the Macrons have weathered previous controversies through a mix of denial, humour, and focus on governance. Whether this latest claim fades or lingers may depend on further developments or responses from those involved. For now, it remains a contested account in the complex tapestry of one of France’s most talked-about political partnerships.

Lead: A New Chapter in Dhaka

In a pivotal moment for South Asian politics, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister on February 17, marking the culmination of the BNP's resounding election victory. The Tarique Rahman oath ceremony, breaking tradition by unfolding at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Complex in Dhaka, signals a fresh era of democratic renewal. With invitations extended to regional heavyweights, this event underscores Bangladesh's push for balanced diplomacy amid shifting alliances.

Just six hours ago, sources confirmed that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead India's delegation, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tied up with a high-stakes bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day, extends his best wishes but stays home. This diplomatic juggling act highlights the intricate web of India's foreign policy priorities.

Why It Matters Now: Resetting Regional Ties

The Tarique Rahman oath ceremony arrives at a critical juncture, just weeks after the BNP's triumph that ousted the long-ruling Awami League. As Bangladesh navigates post-election stability, the event spotlights renewed India-Bangladesh diplomacy. Experts like Dr. Amit Das, a South Asia analyst at the Observer Research Foundation, note: "This isn't just a swearing-in—it's a litmus test for regional cooperation. With Pakistan's PM also invited, India must tread carefully to avoid alienating a key neighbor while resetting ties strained under Sheikh Hasina's tenure."

Timeliness amplifies its relevance: Macron's visit, kicking off February 16 in Delhi before shifting to Mumbai, will ink multiple MoUs on defense and trade. For Indian businesses eyeing Bangladesh's $450 billion economy, stronger bilateral links could unlock trade corridors and energy projects. Yet, caution prevails—New Delhi seeks mutual respect without haste, especially as Dhaka courts China and SAARC revival.

Tarique's Vision: Unity and Pragmatism

In his first post-victory media address on Saturday, Tarique Rahman, son of founding BNP leader Ziaur Rahman and ex-PM Khaleda Zia, outlined a people-first foreign policy. "Bangladesh's interests come first," he declared, praising China as a vital development partner while committing to legal processes on Hasina's potential extradition from India.

Key pledges include:

- Reviving SAARC: As the brainchild of his father, Rahman vows to rally members like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka for reactivation, fostering economic integration stalled since 2016.

- Ironclad Law and Order: No tolerance for disruptions; equal justice for all to ensure stability.

- National Unity: An appeal for citizens to prioritize collective strength over divisions, echoing the BNP election victory's unifying narrative.

Rahman's journey—from 2007 arrest on corruption charges to 17 years in exile in London, and triumphant return last year—adds a personal layer. Acquitted in key cases, he now steers a nation toward "true freedom and rights."

Modi's Congratulatory Outreach

PM Modi wasted no time, phoning Rahman Friday to congratulate him and pledge deeper ties. The BNP reciprocated on X: "We're ready for constructive engagement with India, rooted in mutual respect and regional prosperity." As Om Birla's presence at the Tarique Rahman oath ceremony symbolizes continuity, it also opens doors for future summits.

Eyes on South Asia's Horizon

This oath ceremony isn't mere pageantry—it's a blueprint for Bangladesh's future and South Asia's stability. For readers tracking global shifts, watch for SAARC's pulse: a revived forum could boost intra-regional trade by 20%, per World Bank estimates. As Rahman takes the helm, his balanced approach offers practical hope—urging leaders to prioritize dialogue over discord. In an era of flux, unity might just be the region's greatest asset.