AI innovation to French art: PM Modi, Macron open new chapter in India-France ties | India News

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday. Following the Bharat Innovates 2026 event held in Nice, France, the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation across sectors, including defence, technology, innovation, trade, security, space and healthcare.The meeting took place during PM Modi’s visit to France, where he also inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 event alongside Macron ahead of his participation in the G7 Summit.The ministry of external affairs (MEA), shared about the interaction between the two leaders, who reviewed the progress of the India-France partnership and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in several key sectors, while also exchanging views on regional and global developments.In a statement on X, it shared the glimpses of the visit and te, “A further step to strengthen India-France partnership! PM Modi held bilateral talks with President Emmanuel Macron where they reviewed the progress in India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership. The leaders discussed areas including innovation, trade & investment, sustainability, security, culture and people to people ties. The meeting resulted in several outcomes in areas of innovation & AI, science & space, startups & fintech, trade & infrastructure, mobility and health among others. The leaders also exchanged views on key international and regional issues.”

PM Modi highlights stronger strategic ties and economic cooperation

Sharing details of his discussions with Macron, Prime Minister Modi described the talks as “exceptionally productive” and underlined the decision to further elevate bilateral ties.“Today’s talks with my friend, President Macron were exceptionally productive. Considering the longstanding friendship between our nations, we have decided to elevate our ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. Our talks covered ways to deepen cooperation in key sectors like defence, technology, space, security, counter terrorism, innovation and more,” PM Modi said in a post on X.PM Modi also stressed the growing economic dimension of the partnership, pointing to the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and new mechanisms aimed at securing critical supply chains.“India and France will keep working together to boost economic ties. The India-EU FTA provides unparalleled momentum in this regard. We are also launching an Economic Security Dialogue to ensure stronger supply chains in critical minerals and technology. Other areas where we will work closely are healthcare and education,” he said.Earlier in the day, the PM thanked Macron for participating in the Bharat Innovates 2026 event and for sharing his views on technology and innovation.“I’m grateful to my friend, President Macron for taking part in ‘Bharat Innovation.’ He shared valuable points during his speech earlier today. India and France will keep working closely when it comes to tech and innovation,” PM Modi said.“The leaders discussed areas including innovation, trade & investment, sustainability, security, culture and people to people ties.”“The meeting resulted in several outcomes in areas of innovation & AI, science & space, startups & fintech, trade & infrastructure, mobility and health among others. The leaders also exchanged views on key international and regional issues,” he added.

Macron’s ‘Dhurandhar’ welcome for his ‘dear friend’ PM Modi

French President Emmanuel Macron also highlighted the significance of Modi’s visit, describing it as a symbol of the depth and momentum of the India-France relationship.“Delighted to welcome my dear friend @NarendraModi. From Nice today to G7 Evian and VivaTech in Paris, this seventh visit reflects the exceptional strength of the France-India partnership. We are opening a new chapter for talent, investment and concrete solutions for our people,” Macron wrote on X.Macron also shared a video montage of his interactions with PM Modi, edited to the popular track Ari Ari from the movie Dhurandhar: The Revenge, showcasing moments from the Prime Minister’s arrival and engagements in France.Bharat Innovates showcase and a stop at a French art exhibitionApart from the bilateral engagements, Modi also shared glimpses from Bharat Innovates 2026, a flagship event highlighting India’s growing innovation ecosystem and startup ecosystem.“Glimpses from Bharat Innovates 2026. This platform showcases the best of Indian innovation, which is driving our developmental journey. I invite the world to invest in India and partner with our youth,” the Prime Minister said.Modi also visited an art exhibition featuring works by artists Théophile de Bascher and Thibault de la Lance, who recently undertook an artistic residency in Jaipur. The visit highlighted the cultural dimension of India-France ties, which have expanded beyond strategic and economic cooperation to include stronger people-to-people and artistic exchanges.The Prime Minister arrived in the French Riviera city on Saturday night. Before departing from New Delhi, he had described France as occupying a special place in India’s strategic vision and said the visit would build on the growing momentum in bilateral relations.Following his engagements in Nice, Modi is set to travel for the G7 Summit, where he is expected to hold meetings with several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump.