Mumbai, Feb 17 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on Tuesday that the globe is encountering various significant challenges across numerous sectors.

“Indian startups have the potential to tackle these pressing issues. India has now ascended to being the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world,” PM Modi stated during his address at the India-France Startup Forum, which was also attended by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

The Prime Minister mentioned that India and France will reconvene in June in France under the ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ initiative. This event will showcase some of the finest Indian startups focused on solutions related to climate change, security, and healthcare to a global audience.

He noted that the Atal Innovation Mission will celebrate its tenth anniversary on February 24. This mission has successfully established over 10,000 tinkering labs, engaging more than 10 million students in startup initiatives. Additionally, over 100 incubators and numerous edtech startups are linked to this initiative.

The Prime Minister encouraged the entrepreneurs present to engage with the Atal Innovation Mission. He stressed that startups are crucial to India’s trajectory towards becoming a developed nation.

This year’s budget has prioritized bolstering the startup ecosystem. To enhance content creation, ‘Content Creator Labs’ will be established in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges. Mission-mode efforts are also in progress in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, semiconductors, and clean energy. Startups are being supported in sectors such as textiles, chemicals, sports goods, electronics, and infrastructure.

Moreover, PM Modi highlighted that India is becoming a global leader in women-led research and startups.

Discussing India–France relations, he remarked that the collaboration extends beyond startups and is based on mutual trust and shared values. In this regard, President Emmanuel Macron and he have designated 2026 as the ‘India–France Startup Year’.

He further stated that India and France have collaborated in various strategic technology fields, reinforcing mutual trust. The relationship has now evolved into a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’.

In his address, President Macron noted that numerous prominent global companies are led by Indian CEOs. India is not just participating in the global startup movement but is at the forefront of it. Investing in education and training is vital for startup growth.

He mentioned that the France–India Aeronautics Campus provides opportunities for skill development. The question is no longer whether India can innovate; it is now about who will innovate with India, and the answer is France. France is dedicated to partnering with India for a prosperous future.

President Macron also expressed his hopes for the enduring strength of India–France relations. He further announced that, as suggested by PM Modi, an ‘Innovation Day’ will be organized prior to the G7 Summit.

Through the joint initiatives between France and India, many students and researchers will be brought together. In the defence sector, France remains a reliable partner in the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

With French collaboration, advancements such as next-generation engines, multi-role helicopters, advanced fighter aircraft, and submarines are being developed. He expressed gratitude to India for its trust in this partnership.

President Macron reiterated that this is not merely a collection of defence contracts but a sovereign strategic alliance. Two great nations choose each other across land, sea, and air, driven not by necessity, but by profound trust.

Highlighting the collaboration in space, he pointed out that the development of the ‘TRISHNA’ satellite exemplifies the combination of scientific excellence and industrial capability.