MUMBAI – In a landmark moment for bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the India-France Innovation Forum-2026 here on Thursday. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi emphasized that the partnership between the two nations transcends mere innovation, rooted deeply in mutual trust and shared values.
‘Despite geographical distances, when India and France come together, it’s not just about two innovation hubs converging,’ Modi said. ‘Our relationship is one of trust, shared principles, and a commitment to global good.’
Declaring 2026 as the ‘India-France Year of Innovation,’ the Prime Minister described it as more than a celebration – it’s a pledge to collaborative progress. He traced India’s ancient legacy of breakthroughs in mathematics, medicine, metallurgy, and architecture, now amplified by the youthful vigor of modern India.
‘From our thriving startup ecosystem to world-class research labs, a bold ‘can-do’ spirit is rising,’ Modi noted. Under the Startup India initiative, the country has surged to become the world’s third-largest startup hub in just a decade. Unicorn companies have skyrocketed from a mere four in 2014 to over 120 today.
Highlighting the unique strategic alliance, PM Modi praised France as one of India’s oldest partners. Under Macron’s leadership, relations have reached new depths. ‘Built on mutual trust, we’re elevating our ties to a special global strategic partnership,’ he announced.
This partnership extends to groundbreaking projects like jointly developing the world’s only helicopter capable of reaching Mount Everest’s summit, to be manufactured in India and exported globally. In turbulent times, this alliance stands as a beacon of stability and advancement, promising mutual growth and innovation leadership.