Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with leading venture capitalists, global investors, entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystem leaders in Nice ahead of the inauguration of Bharat Innovates 2026, a flagship event aimed at showcasing India’s growing capabilities in deep technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood were also present during the interaction.
Among those who met the Prime Minister were OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal, entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala and several international investors and industry leaders associated with the global innovation ecosystem.
The interaction took place ahead of the formal inauguration of Bharat Innovates 2026 by Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, marking a major milestone in the ongoing India-France Year of Innovation.
The three-day conclave, being held from June 14 to 16, is designed as a platform to connect Indian innovators, startups, academic institutions and researchers with global investors, industry leaders and technology partners.
The event brings together more than 120 Indian deep-tech startups and over 15 higher education institutions, including premier Indian Institutes of Technology and leading research organisations.
Bharat Innovates 2026 will showcase innovations across key sectors such as advanced computing, semiconductors, space technology, defence innovation, biotechnology, healthcare, manufacturing and climate solutions.
Following the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions to review progress in India-France relations since the elevation of ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday as part of his multi-leg visit to France. The visit also includes engagements in Evian and Paris.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister described France as a key partner in India’s strategic vision.
“France occupies a special place in India’s strategic vision. Earlier this year, President Macron visited India and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. When I meet President Macron in Nice, we will review the progress made since February and chart the next steps in our cooperation,” he said.
After the Nice leg of the visit, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Slovakia for a State Visit before returning to France to participate in the G7 Summit in Evian on June 16 and 17.
The Prime Minister will conclude his France visit in Paris on June 18, where he will attend VivaTech 2026, Europe’s largest technology and startup event. India is set to have the largest national pavilion at the summit, highlighting the country’s emergence as a major global hub for innovation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship.
-ANI
