‘India-France partnership has gained momentum under PM Modi’s leadership’: Piyush Goyal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday highlighted that the India-France partnership is witnessing renewed momentum across technology, innovation and strategic sectors under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Goyal also highlighted the expanding cooperation between the two countries while inviting French businesses and investors to participate in India’s growth journey.

In a post on X, Goyal said he attended a dinner hosted by noted jurist and IIT Delhi Board Chairperson Harish Salve, where he interacted with industry leaders from India and France, members of academia, researchers and innovators. He said the relationship between India and France has strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, with partnerships expanding across economic, technology and innovation sectors.

Advertisement

Goyal visits Europe’s largest science and technology hub

During his visit to France, Goyal toured Sophia Antipolis, ranked as Europe’s largest science and technology hub, as part of efforts to boost India’s deep-tech engagement with European markets.

Calling it Europe’s Silicon Valley, the minister said the technology park demonstrates how research, talent, and enterprise can combine to accelerate innovation and economic development.

The hub houses more than 2,600 companies working across multiple advanced technology sectors.

Goyal said India is emerging as a global centre for innovation and manufacturing and encouraged technology leaders at Sophia Antipolis to explore investment opportunities, partnerships and expansion in India.

Bharat Innovates 2026 showcases India’s deep-tech strength

In Nice, Goyal also held discussions with local leaders and representatives from government, business, innovation, and investment sectors to further strengthen India-France cooperation.

He highlighted that Nice is hosting Bharat Innovates 2026 at the Palais des Expositions, showcasing India’s deep-tech capabilities through 120 startups and more than 20 Institutes of Excellence across 13 technology domains.

According to Goyal, the event has drawn participation from over 350 global investors and venture capitalists, reflecting increasing global interest in India’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

The minister said India’s innovation landscape is creating new opportunities for collaboration and co-development of technologies that can benefit both nations and the wider global community.