Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed VivaTech 2026 in Paris, France, on Thursday, 18 June 2026, speaking at one of Europe's most prominent technology and startup forums. In a post on X, he expressed enthusiasm about the engagement, highlighting India's progress in technology, innovation, and the startup ecosystem.

Writing in French, PM Modi said he was 'Ravi d'avoir pris la parole au cours de VivaTech 2026 à Paris' ('Delighted to have spoken at VivaTech 2026 in Paris'). He noted that he had spoken about India's 'remarkable progress in technology, innovation, and startups' and underscored 'how India uses technology to bring about a positive difference.'

Context

VivaTech is a leading European technology and startup trade fair held annually in Paris since 2016, focused on digital transformation and global innovation. The event draws heads of government, investors, and technology leaders from across the world, making it a significant platform for countries seeking to project their innovation credentials on a global stage.

PM Modi's appearance at VivaTech 2026 marks a high-profile instance of India's broader strategy of technology diplomacy — using international platforms to attract investment, talent, and bilateral partnerships to the country's growing digital economy.

Policy Backdrop

India's engagement at forums like VivaTech is rooted in two flagship initiatives: Digital India, launched in 2015 to build digital infrastructure and expand e-governance services, and Startup India, launched in 2016 to foster entrepreneurship through tax benefits, simplified compliance, and a dedicated fund of funds.

Together, these programmes have positioned India as one of the world's largest startup ecosystems, with a growing base of unicorns and a robust digital public infrastructure that has drawn international attention. India has previously leveraged events such as Mobile World Congress and CES to project this narrative to global audiences.

India–France Ties and Stakeholder Impact

India and France share a strategic partnership elevated in 1998, encompassing cooperation in space, defence, nuclear energy, and, increasingly, technology and innovation. Regular bilateral summits have included technology cooperation frameworks, and VivaTech 2026 provides fresh momentum to that dimension of the relationship.

For Indian startups and tech entrepreneurs, a prime ministerial address at a forum of this stature signals continued government backing for the ecosystem and can open doors to European venture capital and partnership opportunities. French and European investors looking at emerging markets are likely to take note of the visibility India's leadership is building at such events.

What's Next

Observers will watch for follow-up announcements on India–France technology collaboration frameworks, including any new bilateral initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence, green technology, or startup bridge programmes. The next India–France summit is expected to be a key venue for translating the goodwill generated at VivaTech 2026 into concrete policy agreements.

India's sustained presence at top-tier global technology events suggests that technology diplomacy will remain a central pillar of its foreign engagement strategy in the years ahead.