Introduction
India attended the G7 Summit hosted by France as a non-member, showcasing a strategic statement of its evolving actorness credibility on the global stage. Prime Minister Modi’s five day visit to France (Nice, Évian and Paris) from 13-18 June 2026 reflected a country moving away from being a participant in the international order towards becoming a shaper of it. India’s presence at such platforms not only strengthened its bilateral ties with France but also redefined its leadership role on the global stage. This article analyses PM Modi’s visit to France, arguing that it not only strengthened bilateral engagement but also reinforced strategic ties that extend beyond defence and security into technology and innovation diplomacy.
India-France Bilateral Relations
India and France have maintained a strategic partnership since January 1988; however, their diplomatic engagement dates back to just after India’s independence in 1947. Since then, they have accelerated cooperation in defence and security, civil nuclear matters and space. The celebration of 25 Years of the “India-France Strategic Partnership” in July 2023 and the adoption of the Horizon 2047 Roadmap strategically marked a transformation in their bilateral relations, which aligned with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat. This roadmap has led to a gradual shift in the relationship beyond defence towards advanced digital technologies, encompassing innovation, digital governance, health technologies, AI, quantum technologies, cybersecurity and research collaboration. When France inaugurated, and India co-chaired, the AI Action Summit in February 2025 in Paris, PM Modi committed to a subsequent summit, which resulted in India hosting its first AI Impact Summit in February 2026. During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in February, the two countries elevated their ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, enhancing cooperation and coordination at a deeper and broader level. Thus, 2026 was declared the year of innovation, and technology has become a central pillar of India–France relations.
Bharat Innovates- Nice
During the five-day visit to France, PM Modi and President Macron jointly inaugurated the Bharat Innovates conclave on 14 June at the Palais des Expositions de Nice. The conclave transformed commitments from the Horizon 20247 roadmap into action by launching more than 30 partnerships including 12 innovation-focused MoUs (between Indian Higher Education Institutions/incubators and French/global incubators to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, research collaboration, and startup support), 16 agreements with leading global corporations to facilitate technology development, commercialization, and partnerships between 13 Franch universities and 11 IITs and IISc to enhance student exchanges, joint research, innovation support, academic collaboration, and talent development. This joint initiative “advancing innovation-led partnerships” brought together global investors, innovators and academia, representing both partners’ growing importance of technology and innovation in scaling their relationship into new domains. President Macron stated, “The question is no longer if India innovates, but who will innovate with India”.
G7-Evian
The Group of Seven (G7) comprises the world’s major advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, with the European Union also participating. The forum was formed in 1975 to discuss global economic and trade issues, briefly expanded to the G8 with Russia in 1997; Russia’s participation was suspended following its 2014 invasion of Ukraine. The G7 presidency rotates annually among member states, and the host country invites guest countries. The 52nd G7 summit took place in the French town Évian-les-Bains, from 15-17 June, hosted by President Emannuel Macron, and included guest partners such as India. Leaders discussed geopolitical centred on “multiple conflicts, disrupted maritime trade routes, an energy crisis, an epidemic outbreak, global macroeconomic imbalances, hindered aid patterns, and, more generally, a fragmented world”,
The summit showed strong convergence on the Russia-Ukraine war, conflict in West Asia and Indo-Pacific concerns. G7 leaders emphasised coordinated sanctions to pressure Russia, reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and pledged increased defence, military and economic assistance. They also sought to reduce tension in the Middle East while ensuring maritime and energy security through diversified supply routes. Additionally, they reiterated commitment to a stable, free and open Indo-Pacific based on international law.
The question arises: why invite Global South countries like India to such a forum? The international order has become a more unpredictable and unstable structure, and contemporary global challenges to peace and security extend beyond developed countries. The resurgence of interstate conflict and complex crises requires coordinated action to deal with them. In this changing geopolitical order, India, as a “pivotal actor” preserving strategic autonomy while pursuing multi-alignment, provides strategic balancing in a multipolar order. India’s leadership in the G20 has positioned it as a leading voice for the Global South, amplifying its geopolitical influence, economic standing and technological diplomacy. India often serves as a bridge between developed countries and emerging economies, fostering cooperation without being drawn into great power rivalry. Its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific amid China’s growing influence makes India a vital partner for G7 leaders. India’s approach to global engagement is based on “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”, and emphasises inclusion and shared prosperity. PM Modi’s participation in a high-level dialogue on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity” underscored disruptions to the global economy and supply chains caused by conflict in West Asia. India’s actions at the G7 reflect a commitment to global integration and partnership to promote shared prosperity, sustainability and human well-being. India’s 13th participation in Group 7 outreach activities highlights its expanding role in addressing global challenges, including peace, security, sustainable development and economic growth. As a major and fast-growing economy, an important manufacturing and technology hub, India’s contribution at the G7 helps foster cooperation on global challenges and digital technology.
VIVA Tech- Paris
The final event was the Viva Technology (Viva Tech) conference in Paris from 17-20 June, where India was represented as the AI Partner Country. Established in 2016, VivaTech is Europe’s largest technology and startup event, bringing together global investors, governments, enterprises, research institutions, and emerging technology companies. The India Pavilion at Viva Tech, coordinated by the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation, showcased India’s growing capabilities in AI and digital innovation. India’s largest-ever participation included more than 80 Indian deep-tech companies and startups under the theme of “Imagine, Innovate, Invest”, presenting India’s dynamic innovation ecosystem and its “Tech for Humanity” vision. Exhibits demonstrated transformative solutions across AI, DeepTech, Digital Public Infrastructure, HealthTech, FinTech, Sustainability, Mobility, Cybersecurity, Space Technologies and Creative Industries.
Representation at such a platform offers:
- Global visibility for Indian innovation among 171 nationalities
- Access to International investment with interactions involving 36,00 investors and venture capital firms
- Gateways to global technology markets to expand international presence
- Strategic networking over 4,000 industry partners, policy-makers, and research organisations
- Opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with leading technology companies, institutions and governments shaping the future of technology
- Strengthening Brand India as a prominent leader in the Global technology narrative.
India-France cooperation on emerging technology marks a significant milestone in expanding their partnership, enabling transformative changes in India, from digital payments and AI-enabled agricultural progress to cutting-edge space applications. The two leaders created scope for deeper and wider engagement and designated 2026 as the “year of innovation”.
Outcome
PM Modi’s visit to three French cities signalled a coherent strategic narrative. India is increasing its transition from a regional power to a global actor, shaping technology-led diplomacy through pragmatic multilateral engagement. Bharat Innovates demonstrated India’s role as a partner in deep tech, AI and research initiatives, establishing concrete ties and academia-industry linkages. As an effective non-member guest country, India defined its role as balancing and bridging power in an increasingly fragmented world, collaborating with major powers on global security and economic governance while preserving its strategic autonomy. At the VivaTech conclave, India presented technology that serves humanity and supports a resilient future. Thus, three cities, three venues and one clear message show that India is no longer just attending the global stage; it is stepping up to shape it. As India’s diplomatic calendar moves rapidly, France was only one chapter.
