Technology can facilitate progress only when it is democratized, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at France’s largest startup event on Thursday, urging European companies to tap into India’s talent pool, targeted incentives and scale to develop pioneering technologies.
Modi participated in the 10th edition of VivaTech in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron and addressed a gathering of technology entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders to highlight India’s vision for human-centric artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies.
“When it comes to technology, besides innovation, what matters is access. Technology can lead to progress only when it democratizes. India believes that in this age of disruption, technology should serve everyone,” he said.
He said AI should improve lives, expand access, drive growth, and help maintain a healthy planet. “Our participation as the Qatar AI Partner at VivaTech 2026 reflects this very vision. For India, AI means ‘all-inclusive,’” he added.
Highlighting India’s credentials as an open society with the world’s largest talent pool, Modi said, “We are working to simplify regulations and ensure ease of doing business. From innovation to commercialization, we are supporting private enterprises with targeted incentives of over $50 billion. We also provide one of the world’s most affordable data and low-cost green energy.”
He added: “Our approach is clear. Our government will empower industry and industry will innovate. Startups will make a difference and global partners will scale with us. Together, we will move faster than ever before.”
Modi stressed the role of technology in enabling transformational changes in India, from the world’s largest volume of digital payments and the world’s largest digital identity system to agricultural progress powered by artificial intelligence and cutting-edge space applications.
“Indian women are being trained as drone pilots, to spray fertilizer and monitor crops. Satellite data is directing hundreds of thousands of fishermen to promising fishing spots, helping them save fuel, reduce time and improve their catch,” he added. “Our technology solutions deliver prosperity at the grassroots level.”
After his keynote address, Modi and Macron interacted with Indian startups and innovators who showcased key technologies and practical solutions for industry, healthcare, sustainability and mobility.
VivaTech 2026 marks India’s largest presence at the event to date, with pavilions showcasing the country’s innovation ecosystem in artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, health technology, clean technologies, mobility and advanced computing. More than 80 Indian technology companies and startups are participating in the event.
India has seen increasing engagement with VivaTech over the years. India was this year’s top country at VivaTech 2022, and VivaTech recently formalized the collaboration with the Bengaluru Tech Summit.
