Prime Minister Narendra Modi with French President Emmanuel Macron during the joint inauguration of the 'Bharat Innovates' event, in Nice on Sunday | Photo Credit: DD/ANI Video Grab

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said India is a nation of innovation, adding that both countries have a true partnership in critical sectors like AI and climate change.

Macron was addressing the Bharat Innovates event which he inaugurated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nice.

“We respect the Make-in-India initiative. France has been part of it in diverse sectors,” Macron said.

“India is a country of innovation. India and France have a true partnership in critical sectors like AI and climate change,” he said.

“There is scope to expand bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy sector, including in the area of Small Modular Reactors,” Macron said.

Bharat Innovates 2026 is a flagship initiative by the Indian government designed to accelerate the country's deep-tech startups and research ventures on a global stage.

The event brings together top innovation startups and Venture Capital funds from India, France, and other countries.

Modi is currently in France, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Macron and also attend the G-7 Summit.

He landed in Nice on Saturday, kickstarting a week-long tour which also includes a two-day visit to Slovakia.

Published on June 14, 2026