Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the world is grappling with multiple challenges across sectors and asserted that Indian startups have the capability to address them. Speaking at the India–France Startup Forum alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, he noted that India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.
He announced that under the ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ initiative, India and France will reconvene in France in June, where leading Indian startups working in climate change, security, and healthcare will be showcased globally.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Atal Innovation Mission will complete a decade on February 24, having established over 10,000 tinkering labs engaging more than 10 million students. The mission is also linked to over 100 incubators and several edtech startups.
PM Modi urged entrepreneurs to participate in the Atal Innovation Mission, describing startups as central to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation. He said this year’s budget prioritises strengthening the startup ecosystem, including setting up Content Creator Labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges.
Mission-mode initiatives are underway in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, semiconductors, and clean energy, while startups are being promoted in textiles, chemicals, sports goods, electronics, and infrastructure. He also highlighted India’s growing stature as a global model in women-led research and startups.
The Prime Minister said India–France ties extend beyond startups, rooted in trust and shared values, with 2026 declared the India–France Startup Year. He noted that bilateral cooperation spans key strategic technologies under a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
President Emmanuel Macron said India is leading the global startup movement and stressed the importance of investment in education and training. He highlighted initiatives such as the France–India Aeronautics Campus and cooperation in defence and space, including development of the TRISHNA satellite, describing the partnership as a sovereign strategic alliance built on trust.
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