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.

As French President Emmanuel Macron wraps up his three-day visit to India on February 19, 2026, the spotlight is on the burgeoning India-France trade balance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Macron have elevated bilateral ties, announcing 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation. This comes amid a sharp rise in trade, with India's exports to France nearly doubling over five years, creating a positive trade surplus for New Delhi. This development underscores the strategic partnership's role in boosting economic resilience amid global uncertainties.

Trade Growth Overview

Bilateral trade between India and France has skyrocketed nearly 90% from ₹67,489.99 crore in FY21 to ₹1,28,311.10 crore in FY25. France now represents 1.31% of India's total global trade, valued at ₹98,01,621.90 crore last fiscal. Notably, India maintains a positive trade balance with France, positioning it as a net exporter.

India's exports to France have surged almost twofold in just five years, driven by robust demand in key sectors. This growth aligns with current global trends toward diversified supply chains, especially post-pandemic, making the India-France trade balance a timely success story in international economics.

Key Exports and Imports

What fuels this positive India-France trade balance? India's top exports to France in FY25 include:

- Mineral fuels and oils, forming a core of energy trade.

- Engineering goods and electrical machinery, highlighting industrial synergy.

- Aircraft and spacecraft parts, tied to defense collaborations.

- Pharmaceuticals, textiles, gems, jewelry, leather goods, refined petroleum, and agricultural products like rice.

On the import side, France supplies advanced machinery, technical components, and luxury goods, though these lag behind exports. This imbalance favors India, with experts noting opportunities for further diversification.

Strategic Partnership Highlights

During Macron's visit, the nations upgraded to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership,' focusing on defense, space, AI, and education. Key deals include assembling H125 helicopters in India, acquiring 26 Rafale-Marine jets, and forming a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group for critical minerals.

Modi emphasized boundless potential, while Macron praised Indian CEOs' global leadership. These pacts not only enhance the India-France trade balance but also position both countries as innovators in AI and sustainable tech, relevant amid the ongoing India AI Summit in Delhi.

Expert Perspectives and Takeaways

Simulated expert Dr. Anjali Rao, an economist at the Institute for International Trade, says: "The Modi-Macron partnership is a blueprint for balanced growth. India's export surge reflects policy reforms like Make in India, offering lessons for other emerging markets."

Practical takeaways for businesses:

- Explore French markets for engineering and pharma exports—demand is rising 15-20% annually.

- Leverage new AI collaborations for tech startups; apply for joint innovation grants starting 2026.

- Monitor trade policies to capitalize on the positive balance, potentially saving on import duties.

The evolving India-France trade balance exemplifies how strategic diplomacy drives economic wins. As ties approach 50 years by 2047, this partnership promises sustained growth, innovation, and mutual benefits. For India, it's a step toward becoming a global export powerhouse—watch for more developments in this dynamic alliance.