India-France Innovation Forum: Key highlights from the Modi-Macron launch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday jointly inaugurated the India-France Innovation Forum 2026 in Mumbai, calling it a reflection of the deepening strategic partnership, shared democratic values, and expanding collaboration in innovation and technology between the two countries. 

The leaders also declared that 2026 will be observed as the India-France Year of Innovation, underscoring their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in research, startups, and emerging technologies. 

Addressing the forum, PM Modi said, "Today, two of the world's biggest innovation hubs are coming together. When we talk about India and France, our relationship is not just about innovation, but also about trust and shared values. With this very thought, President Macron and I have decided to celebrate the year 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation. This is not just our celebration, but also a shared commitment." 

Focus on startups and global solutions 

Modi said 2026 would be a special year for bilateral ties, with deeper people-to-people links and stronger industry partnerships. Under the India Innovates 2026 programme in France, leading Indian technology startups will present solutions to global problems. 

"This is a very special year for India-France relations. People-to-people exchanges will deepen, and industry-to-industry partnerships will expand. In June 2026, under India Innovates 2026 in France, we will showcase to the world the best Indian tech startups that are creating solutions to global challenges like health, climate, and security," he said. 

Highlighting India’s startup growth, the Prime Minister said the country has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem under the Startup India programme, noting that the number of unicorns has increased sharply over the past decade. 

"From India's vibrant startup ecosystem to its world-class research labs, a new spirit of 'can-do' optimism is emerging. Thanks to the Startup India programme, the country has, in just one decade, become the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. In 2014, India was home to only four unicorns; today, that number has surged to over 120," he said. 

Expanding grassroots and sectoral innovation 

He also spoke about the government’s grassroots innovation push through the Atal Innovation Mission, which will complete 10 years on February 24. According to him, the mission has grown into one of the largest such initiatives in the world, connecting students, schools, and incubators. 

"Our Atal Innovation Mission will complete a decade on February 24th. In this time, it has become one of the largest grassroots innovation missions in the world. Our more than 10,000 Tinkering Labs are working with over 10 million student innovators today. More than 100 incubators and several EdTech startups are also associated with this mission. I would also like to make a special request to all the industry captains present here today that you must join the Atal Innovation Mission," he said. 

PM Modi said that innovation is central to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation. He said this year’s Budget has given priority to strengthening the innovation ecosystem across sectors. 

"The journey towards a developed India needs the engine of innovation. Therefore, in this year's budget, we have also laid emphasis on strengthening the innovation ecosystem. To strengthen content creation, content creator labs will be created in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges. We are working on mission mode in AI, quantum, biotech, semiconductor and clean energy. Along with this, we will promote innovation in every sector, like textiles, chemicals, sports goods, precision tools, electronics, and infrastructure. We are very proud that India is becoming a shining example of women-led research and innovation," he added.