Modi and Macron Appear Together at VivaTech 2026 as India Debuts as Official AI Country Partner With 80+ Deep-Tech Firms

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron appeared jointly at VivaTech 2026 on June 18, with India serving as the event's designated AI Country Partner and fielding its largest-ever presence — more than 80 deep-tech startups across AI, digital public infrastructure, health-tech, and clean technology. Modi emphasized India's commitment to 'human-centric and inclusive' AI and highlighted the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, signaling the two countries' deepening collaboration on emerging technology governance. The appearance positions India as an active third-pole voice in global AI governance alongside the US and EU blocs.