Narendra Modi Inaugurates India-France Innovation Forum, Highlights Decade of Startups and Tech Collaboration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai, emphasizing the growing partnership between the two nations in technology, research, and startups. The event coincides with the celebration of 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation.

Addressing innovators from both countries, Modi highlighted that the bilateral relationship between India and France is built on shared values, trust, and a commitment to global innovation leadership. He said the collaboration spans strategic technology sectors and will continue to drive creativity and solutions for global challenges.

“India’s vibrant startup ecosystem and world-class research labs are fostering a new ‘can-do’ optimism,” Modi said, noting that India has become the world’s third-largest startup hub in just a decade. From only four unicorns in 2014, India now has over 120 unicorns valued at more than $350 billion (≈300 billion euros).

The Prime Minister outlined India’s innovation initiatives, including:

• Atal Innovation Mission completing a decade on February 24, with over 10,000 tinkering labs supporting more than one crore students and innovators.
• Startup India 2.0 mobilizing capital for deep-tech ventures.
• Expanding innovation-focused infrastructure in schools and colleges, with 15,000 schools and 500 colleges set to get content-creator labs.
• Promotion of AI, quantum technology, biotech, semiconductors, clean energy, and sectoral innovations across textiles, chemicals, electronics, and precision tools.

Modi also celebrated women’s leadership in research and innovation, noting that nearly 50% of startups have at least one woman director and that female STEM graduates are driving progress in agriculture, health, and space missions.

On India-France cooperation, the Prime Minister highlighted the exchange of talent and young minds, noting France’s plan to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030. He announced that in June 2026, India will showcase its top tech startups in France under India Innovates 2026, addressing global challenges like health, climate, and security.

Concluding his speech, Modi invited global leaders, CEOs, investors, and universities to collaborate with India in building an inclusive, tech-driven future. He expressed gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron for his support and commitment to strengthening India-France ties.

The forum highlighted not only India’s rapid innovation and startup growth but also the strategic collaboration with France to leverage technology for humanity and inclusive progress.