Paris: India and France are deepening their long-standing strategic partnership with a renewed push into technology, trade, investment, and innovation, marking another step forward in their evolving global cooperation.
The latest discussions were held in Nice, where India’s Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal participated in high-level engagements with city leadership, business representatives, academic institutions, and innovation networks under the ongoing “Year of Innovation” initiative between the two countries.
Shared Vision for Future Growth
Minister Goyal described the discussions as productive and forward-looking, highlighting strong interest from startups, investors, and research organisations on both sides.
He said the partnership is moving beyond traditional diplomatic ties toward a stronger innovation-led relationship aligned with India’s development roadmap of building a “Viksit Bharat.” According to him, collaboration with France is opening new pathways for sustainable growth and global technological solutions.
Bharat Innovates 2026 Highlights India’s Innovation Power
A key feature of the engagement was the “Bharat Innovates 2026” exhibition held in Nice, which brought together India’s growing startup ecosystem on an international platform.
The showcase featured 120 startups and more than 20 academic and research institutions, representing 13 advanced technology sectors. The event also attracted over 350 global investors and venture capital firms, reflecting rising international interest in India’s innovation landscape.
Officials said the exhibition is helping strengthen India’s position as a leading global innovation hub while reinforcing cooperation with France in emerging technologies.
Nice Embraces Deeper Partnership with India
Mayor Éric Ciotti welcomed expanded collaboration with India, describing the country as a key partner in shaping future economic and technological growth.
He highlighted Nice’s strong academic base, research capabilities, and business ecosystem, saying the city is well positioned to support deeper cooperation in innovation and investment.
Ciotti also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier, where both sides discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation across technology, education, culture, and business. The mayor presented the Medal of the City of Nice as a symbolic gesture of goodwill.
New Agreements Expand Bilateral Cooperation
Recent discussions build on a series of 13 key outcomes agreed between India and France, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, space exploration, education, trade, and strategic collaboration.
Both countries have also committed to expanding bilateral trade through a dedicated high-level coordination mechanism aimed at boosting economic ties over the next five years.
In addition, a new Economic Security Dialogue has been launched to address shared concerns related to supply chains, critical technologies, and global economic stability.
Focus on Infrastructure and Connectivity
Among the key developments is a Declaration of Intent on railway and high-speed rail cooperation in India. This initiative is expected to enhance infrastructure development and expand long-term collaboration in transport technology and connectivity.
A Growing Global Partnership
India and France continue to build a strong, forward-looking partnership rooted in innovation, sustainability, and strategic trust.
With growing cooperation in emerging technologies, infrastructure, and trade, both nations are positioning their relationship as a model for modern international collaboration in a rapidly changing global economy.
