Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed VivaTech, the annual technology and startup exhibition held in Paris, France, on Thursday, 18 June 2026, declaring that 'India's approach is clear' as he engaged with one of Europe's most prominent innovation platforms.

Context

In a brief but pointed message directed at the VivaTech audience, PM Modi signalled India's confident posture in the global technology landscape. The post, accompanied by a video, was shared from his official handle and reinforced India's positioning as a digital powerhouse seeking deeper engagement with global innovation ecosystems. VivaTech, held annually in Paris, brings together startups, investors and technology leaders from across the world.

Policy Backdrop

India's outreach at VivaTech draws on nearly a decade of domestic policy groundwork. The Digital India programme, launched in 2015, expanded digital public infrastructure and e-governance across the country, creating a foundation for a thriving technology sector. The Startup India initiative, announced in 2016, simplified regulatory requirements and introduced funding mechanisms that have since helped India build one of the world's largest startup ecosystems.

These programmes have been central to India's pitch at international forums, where the government has consistently promoted its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model as a replicable template for developing economies. Appearing at VivaTech extends that narrative to a European audience of investors and policymakers.

Stakeholders and Impact

Indian startups and technology investors stand to benefit most directly from the visibility generated by a prime-ministerial address at a platform of VivaTech's stature. France is already a strategic partner of India in defence, space and technology sectors, and engagements at events like VivaTech deepen the bilateral technology relationship. For Indian entrepreneurs, the signal is one of sustained government backing on the global stage.

European venture capital and corporate innovation arms present at VivaTech represent a significant pool of potential investors and collaborators for Indian technology firms, particularly in artificial intelligence, fintech and semiconductor value chains — areas where India and the European Union have been exploring structured cooperation.

What's Next

Analysts will watch closely for any follow-up announcements on India-France technology agreements or startup funding commitments that may emerge from the event. India has previously used high-profile international technology forums to announce bilateral memoranda of understanding and investment corridors. A clear articulation of 'India's approach' at VivaTech could set the stage for concrete partnership announcements in the weeks ahead, reinforcing the government's strategy of converting global platform appearances into tangible economic outcomes.