French President Emmanuel Macron said it was a “great honour” that India chose France to showcase some of its leading startups and innovators. He made the remarks in Nice during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.
PM Modi arrived in Nice as the first leg of his five-day trip to France and Slovakia, receiving a warm welcome. He later met Macron, who greeted him with a handshake and an embrace.
The two leaders jointly inaugurated “Bharat Innovates”, an event aimed at bringing together leading innovation-focused startups and venture capital funds from France and other countries. Ahead of the launch, Modi also held discussions with investors.
Speaking at the inauguration, Macron said he was proud to welcome Modi to Nice and to open the first “Bharat Innovates” event held outside India. He noted that the France–India Year of Innovation had been launched in Mumbai a few months earlier.
Macron added that the question was no longer whether India is creating new innovations, but who will create them together with India. He also congratulated Modi on becoming independent India’s longest-serving prime minister, calling it a reflection of determination and leadership.
