Bharat Innovates Event in France: PM Modi Hugs Macron, Highlights Affordable Healthcare and Pitches India as Global Innovation Hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India's growing appeal as a global investment and innovation destination, saying the country's growth is driven by talent, scale, stability and reforms.

Addressing investors and venture capital leaders at Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, PM Modi said India offers immense opportunities across innovation, technology, manufacturing and emerging sectors, and invited the world to co-create the next chapter of global innovation with India.

"The conversations at Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice were enriching and insightful. Engaged with investors and venture capital leaders on the immense opportunities India offers across innovation, technology, manufacturing and emerging sectors," the Prime Minister wrote on social media platform X.

He said India has emerged as one of the world's most attractive destinations for investment and innovation, backed by a strong foundation of talent, scale, stability and policy reforms.

"India's growth is powered by talent, scale, stability and reform, making it an attractive destination for investment and innovation," the Prime Minister noted.

Current decade defined by disruption and development

Addressing the gathering at Bharat Innovates 2026, PM Modi said the current decade is defined by both disruption and development.

"The world is witnessing unprecedented challenges due to conflicts and the growing impact of climate change, but these challenges are also creating significant opportunities for innovation and progress," he said.

The Prime Minister identified artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, space technologies and advanced materials as key technologies that will shape humanity's future.

Describing them as the next chapter of human civilisation, PM Modi said every technological revolution brings new opportunities as well as new responsibilities.

"The world today is looking for technologies that are trusted, inclusive, human-centric and focused on global good," he said.

He stressed that India's priority is "technology for humanity" and human-centric innovation, which has remained the foundation of the country's digital revolution and digital public infrastructure.

India now a solution contributor, not just a consumer

PM Modi said India has transformed from being a consumer of global solutions to a contributor of solutions for the world.

"India now acts as a solution contributor rather than a solution consumer," he said, adding that the country's innovation ecosystem is rapidly expanding and increasingly helping address global challenges through technology and entrepreneurship.

He noted that India is innovating at both speed and scale, with a focus on creating sustainable solutions that benefit not only its own citizens but also the global community.

"Bharat innovates with speed and scale. Bharat innovates for a sustainable future. Bharat innovates for the whole world," the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting India's innovation culture, he remarked that "Innovation is in India's DNA."

India-France partnership rooted in trust and shared values

PM Modi praised the growing partnership between India and France, describing it as a relationship built on shared values, mutual trust and common interests.

"India-France partnership covers security to sustainability," he said, noting that cooperation between the two nations spans strategic affairs, defence, sustainability, innovation and technology.

Macron: India and France opening a new chapter

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed PM Modi and described his presence at Bharat Innovates 2026 as a matter of great honour for France.

"Delighted to welcome my dear friend Narendra Modi. From Nice today to G7 Evian and VivaTech in Paris, this seventh visit reflects the exceptional strength of the France-India partnership," Macron wrote on X.

"We are opening a new chapter for talent, investment and concrete solutions for our people," he added.

During his address, Macron congratulated PM Modi on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of India since Independence.

"Prime Minister, I would like to congratulate you because a few days ago you became the Prime Minister with the longest serving time since the Independence of India. This long run says a lot about your determination, the strength of your country and its wonderful people. We are very proud that you are here," Macron said.

Healthcare reforms highlighted

Separately, PM Modi said India has worked to make quality healthcare more affordable and accessible over the last 12 years.

In a social media post, he said the country takes pride in running the world's largest healthcare programme, Ayushman Bharat, which provides healthcare coverage to vulnerable sections of society.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the impact of PM Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana in making medicines more affordable.

He said government efforts to reduce the prices of stents and knee implants have benefited millions, while the expansion of medical colleges and seats has made medical education more accessible.

PM Modi expressed confidence that the government would continue building on these achievements to create a healthier India.

PM Modi's France visit

PM Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday on an official visit at the invitation of President Macron.

The visit marks the first leg of his two-nation tour. Along with Macron, he inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 and is scheduled to participate in the G7 Summit in Evian on June 16-17.

The Bharat Innovates 2026 event has brought together startups, venture capital funds, innovators and technology leaders from India, France and several other countries to explore opportunities in innovation, investment and emerging technologies.