Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, along with French Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs Anne Le Hénanff, addressed innovators and startups at the event, highlighting the expanding scope of bilateral collaboration. Both leaders emphasized the increasing depth of India–France relations in the technology and innovation ecosystem.
Piyush Goyal stated that the India–France partnership has been further strengthened through the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. He underlined that India brings significant advantages to the artificial intelligence era, including a young population, a large pool of STEM graduates, robust digital infrastructure, and a strong framework of democratic governance.
The Minister also presented India’s vision of human-centric artificial intelligence through the concept of “MANAV,” which emphasizes ethical, accountable, inclusive, and trustworthy AI systems. He further asserted that India is prepared to emerge as a global hub for AI talent, data centres, and advanced technological development.
French Minister Anne Le Hénanff described India as a global innovation powerhouse and welcomed its role as the AI Country Partner at VivaTech 2026. She highlighted that India’s technological progress and leadership in responsible artificial intelligence reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of technology serving humanity.
She further noted that the Franco-Indian Year of Innovation has strengthened cooperation between startups, universities, and research institutions, generating new opportunities for joint development. According to her, France and India share common priorities of innovation, responsibility, and action, and are working together to advance trustworthy artificial intelligence, digital resilience, and sustainable technological growth.
The India Pavilion, one of the largest national pavilions at VivaTech 2026, showcases India’s expanding startup and innovation ecosystem, symbolizing the country’s rising influence in global technology and its deepening partnership with France in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
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