Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday presented India as a rapidly emerging global innovation powerhouse, asserting that the country is no longer merely a consumer of technology but is increasingly becoming a provider of solutions to global challenges. Speaking at the inauguration of the Bharat Innovates event in Nice, France, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi highlighted India's growing role in shaping innovation-driven growth while ensuring that technological advancement remains inclusive and sustainable.
Addressing entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers and business leaders, Modi emphasised that innovation should not be measured solely by financial valuations or commercial success. According to him, the true value of innovation lies in its ability to improve lives and create meaningful social impact. He argued that innovation and inclusion are not opposing concepts but complementary forces that must work together to create lasting progress.
The Prime Minister stressed that India's approach to innovation is rooted in the belief that technological advancement should benefit society as a whole. He noted that innovation becomes truly significant when it addresses real-world problems, improves access to opportunities and contributes to the well-being of people rather than simply generating economic gains.
Praising India's younger generation, Modi said the country's youth are increasingly focused on creating solutions that serve humanity at large rather than pursuing narrow commercial interests. He described the emerging mindset among young innovators as one that looks beyond individual success and seeks to address broader global challenges.
According to Modi, India's innovation ecosystem is evolving with a sense of responsibility towards both society and the environment. He repeatedly highlighted sustainability as a central pillar of India's development strategy and innovation agenda. In his remarks, he stated that India innovates with speed and scale, while simultaneously ensuring that innovation contributes to a sustainable future.
The Prime Minister also emphasised India's growing international role, saying that the country is innovating not only for its own development but also for the benefit of the wider world. He suggested that India is increasingly positioning itself as a global solutions hub capable of addressing complex challenges through technology, entrepreneurship and creative thinking.
Reflecting on India's historical contributions to human civilisation, Modi argued that innovation has long been embedded in the country's cultural and intellectual traditions. He pointed to India's contributions over thousands of years in fields such as medicine, yoga, mathematics, astronomy and science, saying these achievements demonstrate that innovation is deeply rooted in India's civilisational identity.
The Prime Minister further highlighted various initiatives undertaken by his government over the past twelve years to strengthen the country's innovation ecosystem. He said significant efforts have been made to create an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, research, technological development and problem-solving across different sectors.
Among the initiatives mentioned was the expansion of innovation opportunities at the grassroots level through programmes such as the Atal Tinkering Labs. These laboratories, established in schools across the country, aim to nurture scientific thinking, creativity and practical problem-solving skills among students from a young age.
Modi also referred to reforms designed to make innovation more accessible and efficient, including efforts to simplify patent filing procedures, strengthen incubation networks and provide policy support to startups and emerging enterprises. According to him, these measures have helped create a more robust ecosystem that encourages innovators to transform ideas into practical solutions.
He noted that India's startup ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years and has become one of the largest in the world. This growth, he suggested, has been supported by government initiatives, private-sector participation, educational institutions and a growing culture of entrepreneurship among young Indians.
The Bharat Innovates event formed part of the broader effort to strengthen cooperation between India and France in areas such as technology, innovation, research, entrepreneurship and investment. The platform brought together startups, investors, innovators and industry leaders from both countries and other partner nations with the aim of fostering collaboration and exploring new opportunities.
Throughout his address, Modi sought to project India as a nation that combines technological ambition with social responsibility. He argued that the country's innovation journey is distinguished by its focus on inclusion, sustainability and human welfare, positioning India as a key contributor to solving global challenges in the years ahead.
His remarks underscored India's aspiration to move beyond being a large market for technology and emerge as a leading source of innovation, ideas and solutions capable of making a positive impact both domestically and internationally.
