Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the VivaTech 2026 [1] exhibition in Paris to explore future technologies and AI innovations.

The meeting signals a deepening strategic partnership between India and France, specifically targeting growth in digital solutions and startup ecosystems. By aligning their technological ambitions, both nations aim to reduce reliance on single-source tech providers and foster joint innovation.

During the visit, the two leaders toured the exhibition, viewing various startups and digital solutions. The interaction was marked by a warm hug and a series of personal exchanges intended to highlight the strength of the bilateral relationship [1].

President Macron concluded the visit with a farewell delivered in Hindi. He addressed the Prime Minister as "Priya mitra Narendra" and said that the France-India friendship is eternal [2]. He added, "France Bharat ki dosti amar rahe" [3].

Macron said the visit was very fruitful [2]. The engagement at VivaTech 2026 [1] served as a backdrop for discussions on how the two countries can collaborate on emerging tech frontiers, including artificial intelligence, and sustainable digital infrastructure.

This public display of camaraderie, combined with the focus on high-tech sectors, underscores a shift toward a more comprehensive partnership that extends beyond traditional defense and diplomatic ties into the realm of future-facing science and technology [1].

“"France-India friendship is eternal."”

The integration of cultural gestures, such as Macron's use of Hindi, alongside a visit to a major tech exhibition, demonstrates a dual-track diplomacy strategy. By blending personal rapport with concrete interests in AI and startups, France and India are positioning their relationship as a critical axis for technological cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and European regions.