NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday positioned India as a global hub for inclusive technology and innovation, telling business leaders and entrepreneurs at the VivaTech Summit 2026 in Paris that technology can drive progress only when it is accessible to everyone.
He also met top French CEOs to discuss fresh investments and expansion plans across sectors including artificial intelligence, shipping, logistics, railways and construction.
Speaking at VivaTech, Europe’s largest technology and startup event, where India is the Country Partner and has set up the largest national pavilion, Modi highlighted India’s technology-led transformation over the past decade and presented a vision of AI that prioritises inclusion and broad-based growth.
“When it comes to technology, along with innovation, what matters is access. Technology can lead to progress only when it is democratised. India believes that in this era of disruption, technology must deliver for all,” Modi said.
His comments assume significance amid growing global debates over access to advanced AI technologies and recent restrictions by the United States on the use of certain cutting-edge AI models by foreign nationals. Using a phrase that drew applause from the audience, Modi said: “For India, AI means ‘All Inclusive’.” He said artificial intelligence should be leveraged to improve lives, expand access to services, accelerate economic growth and support sustainability goals.
“AI must improve lives, widen access, drive growth, and also help us sustain a healthy planet. Our participation as the AI Country Partner at VivaTech 2026 reflects this very vision,” he said.
Highlighting India's digital transformation, the Prime Minister said the country has built the world’s largest digital identity system and digital payments ecosystem, with nearly half of the world’s digital transactions taking place in India.
Modi held a series of meetings with leading French business executives to discuss investment opportunities and deepen economic cooperation between India and France.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions focused on strengthening collaboration across shipping, logistics, railways, construction and artificial intelligence.
Among the key meetings was with Rodolphe Saade, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, where discussions centred on maritime shipping, logistics and global supply chains.
Expressing optimism about future cooperation, he said: “I see great potential for France and India to continue cooperating and setting up new partnerships. As far as we are concerned, we view the relationship with our Indian partnerships very good and I believe that we can do more in the field of shipping and logistics.”
Highlighting India’s growing role in global trade networks, Saadé added: “I believe that India has a major role to play in the supply chains of the world. The fact that we are now in a position to build container ships in India is definitely a good step forward. The future of India is happening now.”
The Prime Minister also met Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain, with discussions focusing on sustainable construction and materials.
The MEA said Modi welcomed the company’s strong footprint in India and its contribution to employment generation, while Bazin shared plans for further investments and expansion. In another meeting, Modi held talks with Martin Sion, CEO of Alstom, on opportunities in mobility and railway modernisation.
The Prime Minister noted Alstom’s significant manufacturing presence in India and its role in supporting job creation and the growth of the rail sector. Sion discussed the company’s future investment and expansion roadmap in the country.
Modi also met Arthur Mensch, co-founder and CEO of Mistral AI, and highlighted opportunities emerging from India’s rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.
According to the MEA, Mensch expressed strong interest in collaborating with India and partnering with Indian companies to advance innovation and expand AI capabilities.
The engagements with French industry leaders form part of India’s broader effort to attract global investment while positioning itself as a key player in emerging technologies, manufacturing and resilient global supply chains.
