{"id":9299,"date":"2026-02-18T14:13:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T14:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=9299"},"modified":"2026-02-18T14:13:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T14:13:34","slug":"india-and-france-declare-2026-as-year-of-innovation-pm-modi-unveils-expansive-vision-at-mumbai-forum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=9299","title":{"rendered":"India and France Declare 2026 as Year of Innovation, PM Modi Unveils Expansive Vision at Mumbai Forum.\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

India and France Declare 2026 as Year of Innovation, PM Modi Unveils Expansive Vision at Mumbai Forum.<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mumbai:<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Prime Minister Narendra Modi<\/strong> today inaugurated the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai alongside French President Emmanuel Macron<\/strong>, announcing that 2026 will be celebrated as the India-France Year of Innovation<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Addressing innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers from both nations, Prime Minister Modi described the occasion as a convergence of \u201ctwo major innovation hubs of the world,\u201d underlining that the India-France partnership is rooted not only in innovation but also in trust and shared values.<\/p>\n

A Shared Commitment to Innovate and Lead<\/h3>\n

Calling the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Innovation a \u201cshared commitment,\u201d the Prime Minister said it reflects both nations\u2019 resolve to innovate and lead in emerging technologies. He noted that cooperation in strategic technology sectors has strengthened mutual trust and elevated bilateral ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia and France\u2019s collective creativity will help secure a better future for the entire world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

India\u2019s Expanding Innovation Ecosystem<\/h3>\n

Highlighting India\u2019s innovation journey, the Prime Minister traced the country\u2019s legacy from ancient advancements in mathematics, medicine, metallurgy, and architecture to its 21st-century mission of \u201cInnovate for Global Good.\u201d<\/p>\n

He emphasized the rapid expansion of India\u2019s startup ecosystem under the Startup India initiative. In 2014, India had only four unicorns; today, the country has more than 120 unicorns with a combined valuation exceeding $350 billion (approximately \u20ac300 billion). Within a decade, India has emerged as the world\u2019s third-largest startup ecosystem.<\/p>\n

From vibrant startups to world-class research laboratories, he said, a new \u201ccan-do optimism\u201d is shaping India\u2019s technological future. Nearly every major global technology company is now connected in some way with Indian startups and innovation networks.<\/p>\n

Building Innovation from Schools to Industry<\/h3>\n

Over the past decade, India has developed a conducive innovation ecosystem spanning schools, universities, and industries. The Prime Minister pointed to more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs working with over 10 million students across the country. The Atal Innovation Mission, which completes a decade on February 24, has grown into one of the world\u2019s largest grassroots innovation programs.<\/p>\n

More than 100 incubators and several deep-tech startups are associated with the mission. The Prime Minister urged industry leaders to actively collaborate with the initiative.<\/p>\n

India has also built one of the world\u2019s largest hackathon ecosystems, supported by private-sector research and innovation schemes. Through Startup India 2.0, capital is being mobilized for deep-tech innovation.<\/p>\n

Budget Push for Deep-Tech and Content Creation<\/h3>\n

Underscoring that innovation is the engine of a developed India, the Prime Minister highlighted key announcements from this year\u2019s Union Budget. These include the establishment of content creator labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges to strengthen digital and creative capabilities.<\/p>\n

India is working in mission mode in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, semiconductors, and clean energy. Innovation will also be promoted across textiles, chemicals, sports goods, precision tools, electronics, and infrastructure sectors.<\/p>\n

Women at the Forefront of Innovation<\/h3>\n

The Prime Minister expressed pride in India\u2019s progress in women-led research and entrepreneurship. Nearly 50 percent of Indian startups now have at least one woman director, and a growing number of women are graduating in STEM disciplines. Women are leading across agriculture, healthcare, and even space missions, he noted.<\/p>\n

Strengthening Talent and People-to-People Ties<\/h3>\n

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that when India\u2019s speed and scale combine with France\u2019s strengths, new pathways for global progress emerge. President Macron has set a target of welcoming 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030, marking a major step in strengthening youth and talent exchanges.<\/p>\n

The Prime Minister also announced that in June 2026, France will host \u201cBharat Innovates 2026,\u201d showcasing India\u2019s leading tech startups developing solutions for global challenges in health, climate, and security.<\/p>\n

A Global Call for Partnership<\/h3>\n

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi invited leaders, CEOs, investors, and universities from France and around the world to collaborate with India in building a future where technology serves humanity and progress remains inclusive.<\/p>\n

He thanked President Macron for his leadership and trust in India-France relations, describing him as a valued friend and reaffirming the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations.<\/p>\n

The India-France Innovation Forum marks a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation, setting the stage for deeper collaboration in technology, research, education, and industry throughout 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

India and France Declare 2026 as Year of Innovation, PM Modi Unveils Expansive Vision at Mumbai Forum.   Mumbai:   Prime Minister Narendra Modi today […]<\/p>\n

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