Amidst the ongoing celebrations of the India France Year of Innovation, which was officially launched in Mumbai on February 17, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron participated in an official event attended by senior officials from India and France, innovators from both countries, leaders of industry from both countries and government representatives of both countries to celebrate the occasion.
Modi stated that he considers 2026 to be a “landmark year” in terms of India’s and France’s relationship and that “the theme of innovation…is reflective of both our nations’ mutual commitment to developing and advancing our scientific abilities, developing technologies that create better lives, and creating a more innovative culture within both of our nations”. It was also the first official visit by Macron to India, having recently established the “special global strategic partnership” between India and France; innovation will be the focus of this partnership.
The India-France Year of Innovation 2026 is intended to:
- Increase and expand international collaborative work between India and France in key industries and sectors that are expected to drive innovation; these sectors include artificial intelligence, renewable energy, military and aerospace, biotechnology, and digital sciences.
- Improve and develop people-to-people connections between the two nations by facilitating small business exchanges and connecting startups and MSMEs, including between countries.
- Build special cooperative partnerships will be established between entrepreneurs in the two nations, such as the Indo-French Innovation Network, which was previously announced and will create a digital ecosystem designed to provide support and assistance to entrepreneurs in both countries.
- Conducting a series of events and exhibits across India & France showcasing innovations from Indian tech startups providing solutions for global challenges related to health, climate, or security (India Innovates 2026).
Modi stated that “this is more than just a celebration, it’s an agreement to work together as partners & to re-establish trust based on mutual values by the two democracies.
Modi Welcomes Dear Friend Macron as India France Partnership
Strategic & Economic Dimensions
The announcement of India’s Innovation Year comes at a time when India & France are also strengthening their broader strategic & economic ties. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to work together on defence procurement, renewable energy tech, & manufacturing aerospace. France also supported the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and a deeper economic integration between India & France.
There are examples of specific collaborations, such as the opening of a helicopter assembly facility in Karnataka. AI-related initiatives for Healthcare & digital science institutions have also been discussed as part of expanding cooperation.
Modi indicated that the emphasis on innovation is part of India’s overall economic strategy, which ranges from creating a strong startup infrastructure to establishing a strong R&D connection with global partners.
Startup India and Innovation Ecosystem Focus
Modi detailed how India’s emergence as a leading center for innovation can be seen in:
- The development of India’s startup ecosystem creating one of the biggest startup hubs worldwide.
- India’s Atal Innovation Mission celebrating its 10-year anniversary developing grassroots innovation with over 10,000 tinkering labs and millions of young innovators.
- Government priorities for technology that will shape our future, such as AI and quantum technology, biotech and semiconductors, and clean energy, reflect current national priorities; these will help create the conditions necessary for innovation to thrive in India as India continues working toward becoming a leading innovator on a global basis.
- Similarly, recent national events such as the India AI Impact Expo that highlighted the many startups participating and showcasing their innovations and solutions through international technology pavilions were also recognized by Prime Minister Modi for helping to bring together and connect ideas and innovation from around the world.
People-Centric Partnership Concept
The “Partnership of the People” highlights that both USA and India will work together to establish partnerships not only with the government and businesses but also within the larger innovation community, including entrepreneurs and students.
Modi emphasized the importance of building networks between start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as part of the vision for innovation, confirming that innovation can be a driver of inclusive economic growth and not just an enterprise of an elite few.
What’s Next for 2026?
India and France are celebrating the Year of Innovation by hosting collaboration between our nations through joint events, technology showcases and partnership programs over the course of 2026. These events will deepen the strategic relationship between both countries and create new opportunities for scientific research, human capital, and commercial collaboration. Additionally, the creation of this initiative reflects India’s increased position as an innovator in the world and its active pursuit of investment in high-tech innovation and expanded research and development capability.
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