Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma shared a live broadcast link on Thursday, 18 June 2026, drawing attention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in VivaTech 2026, the annual technology and startup summit held in Paris, France.

Context

VivaTech is one of Europe's largest technology gatherings, bringing together global leaders, startups, and investors to discuss innovation, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy. PM Modi's participation marks a significant moment of digital diplomacy, with India seeking to deepen its technology partnerships with European nations.

Chief Minister Sharma's post amplified the live stream of the event to his followers, signalling the BJP leadership's collective emphasis on showcasing India's global technology standing.

Policy Backdrop

India's engagement with international technology forums is rooted in the Digital India programme, launched in 2015, which aimed to position India as a global information technology hub. That same year, an India-France joint statement on digital and technology cooperation was issued during an earlier Modi visit to Paris, laying the groundwork for sustained bilateral collaboration.

France has long been a preferred European partner for India, with existing ties spanning defence, space, and now civilian technology sectors including semiconductors and artificial intelligence. High-profile international tech events have increasingly served as platforms for India to showcase its digital public infrastructure and attract foreign investment.

Stakeholders and Impact

Indian startups and technology investors stand to benefit most directly from any announcements or partnerships emerging from VivaTech 2026. The summit provides a global stage for Indian entrepreneurs to connect with European capital and expertise, particularly in AI and deep-tech sectors.

Broader economic diplomacy goals are also at stake: India has consistently used such platforms to diversify its technology partnerships beyond traditional allies, with Europe — and France in particular — emerging as a key corridor for investment and research collaboration.

What's Next

Observers will watch closely for any bilateral technology agreements or investment pledges announced on the sidelines of the Paris summit. Any follow-up commitments between India and France in areas such as AI governance, semiconductor supply chains, or startup funding would represent a concrete outcome of PM Modi's participation.

India's growing presence at marquee global tech events suggests that technology diplomacy will remain a central pillar of its foreign engagement strategy in the years ahead.