Key Highlights
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will jointly inaugurate Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France, on Sunday, June 14. The event, held during the India-France Year of Innovation, will bring together over 120 Indian companies and startups along with global business leaders, investors, and CEOs.
PM Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday as part of a five-day tour covering France and Slovakia. He will hold his first bilateral summit with President Macron since the elevation of ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year.
Bharat Innovates 2026: A Showcase of Innovation
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Bharat Innovates is a landmark initiative that highlights India's innovation journey, startup ecosystem, deep tech startups, digital public infrastructure, and advances in defence, space, and clean energy. The event also underscores the contributions of Indian talent to global technology.
Additional Secretary (Europe West) Piyush Srivastava stated, “The Prime Minister’s presence with President Macron at this event is itself a significant symbol of the depth of bilateral relationship in the domain of technology and innovation.”
Strategic Discussions: Strait of Hormuz and Global Issues
Amid the ongoing war in West Asia, the US has imposed a blockade on ships traveling to or from Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz. Modi and Macron are expected to discuss ways to restore freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway. Officials indicated they will emphasize adherence to the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States and seek a diplomatic end to the conflict.
PM Modi’s Full Itinerary
- June 13-14: Nice, France – Bharat Innovates 2026 and bilateral summit with President Macron.
- June 14-16: Slovakia – Official visit.
- June 16-17: Evian, France – G7 Summit (8th consecutive invitation for India).
- June 18: Paris, France – VivaTech Summit; India will have the largest pavilion.
This is PM Modi’s 7th official visit to France since 2014, following President Macron’s visit to India in February 2026.
India at the G7: Voice of the Global South
PM Modi remarked, “This is the 8th consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited. At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South.” Officials noted that India’s presence reflects its standing as a key partner in addressing shared global challenges.
Expected Outcomes
French diplomatic sources indicate that about a dozen pacts and outcomes are expected to be signed, focusing on innovation, science and technology, economy, culture, and people-to-people ties.
What Readers Should Know
- The India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership was elevated earlier this year during President Macron’s visit to India.
- Bharat Innovates 2026 and VivaTech will spotlight India as a global hub for innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.
- PM Modi’s visit aims to deepen engagement with Europe and the G7, reinforcing India’s commitment to a stable, prosperous, and multipolar world order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bharat Innovates 2026?
It is a landmark initiative showcasing India's innovation journey, startup ecosystem, deep tech, digital public infrastructure, and advances in defence, space, and clean energy. It will be inaugurated by PM Modi and President Macron in Nice.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz discussion important?
Due to the West Asia war, the US has blocked ships to/from Iranian ports via the Strait of Hormuz. Modi and Macron are expected to discuss restoring freedom of navigation and upholding the Iran-US ceasefire.
How many G7 summits has India attended consecutively?
This will be the 8th consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited, reflecting its role as a voice for the Global South.
What other events will PM Modi attend in France?
He will also attend the VivaTech Summit in Paris on June 18, where India will have the largest pavilion, and participate in the G7 Summit in Evian on June 16-17.
Source: indianexpress.com