India and France are seeking to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology and innovation as both countries mark the Year of Innovation. Discussions in Nice focused on expanding economic ties and supporting collaboration in emerging sectors…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India and France are looking to deepen cooperation across trade, technology and innovation as both countries mark the Year of Innovation, with senior leaders highlighting new opportunities for collaboration during meetings in Nice.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti on strengthening ties between India and France, particularly in emerging sectors, innovation and investment. The meetings took place alongside Bharat Innovates 2026, an event showcasing India’s technological capabilities and startup ecosystem.
In a post on X, Goyal said he had concluded a productive day in Nice by hosting a dinner attended by the city’s mayor and leaders from government, business, innovation and investment communities.
“Wrapped up a productive day in Nice by hosting a dinner in the presence of the Mayor of Nice, Mr. Eric Ciotti, alongside distinguished leaders from government, business, innovation and investment ecosystems,” Goyal said.
He added that the gathering provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore collaboration across trade, technology and emerging sectors. According to Goyal, the partnership between India and France continues to create opportunities for co-innovation and technological advancement as India works towards its Viksit Bharat vision. He said the collaboration is helping to develop solutions that benefit both countries and the wider global community.
The minister also highlighted Bharat Innovates 2026, being hosted at the Palais des Expositions in Nice. The event brings together 120 innovative startups and more than 20 Institutes of Excellence representing 13 critical technology domains.
The showcase has attracted participation from more than 350 investors and venture capitalists worldwide. The event is intended to demonstrate India’s growing strength in deep technology and innovation while supporting the government’s ambition of positioning the country as a global innovation hub.
The initiative also reflects the importance both nations place on cooperation in advancing technology and innovation. Mayor Ciotti described India as a major partner for the future and said he was committed to ensuring that Nice remains open to investment, innovation and international partnerships.
The mayor also held a bilateral meeting with Goyal, during which the two sides exchanged views on cooperation between Nice and India. In a post on X, Ciotti said: “With Sophia Antipolis, our university, our innovation ecosystem, and our businesses, our territory has a full role to play in this forward-looking partnership.”
Earlier, Ciotti met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss prospects for economic cooperation between Nice and India. During the meeting, the mayor presented Modi with the City of Nice medal, a gesture that underscored the desire to strengthen ties across areas such as the economy, academia, technology, and culture.
The discussions come amid broader efforts by India and France to expand their strategic and economic partnership.
The two countries announced 13 key outcomes covering innovation, artificial intelligence, trade, education, space and strategic cooperation during the first leg of Modi’s visit to France.
Among the measures announced was the decision to establish a high-level mechanism to double bilateral trade over the next five years. The initiative will build on the existing Economic and Financial Dialogue between the two countries.
India and France also agreed to establish an Economic Security Dialogue, reflecting a growing focus on economic resilience and cooperation in critical sectors. In addition, the two sides announced a Declaration of Intent on Cooperation on Railway and High-speed Railway Development in India, signalling plans for closer collaboration in transport infrastructure.
The outcomes highlight the expanding scope of the India-France partnership and the increasing emphasis both countries are placing on innovation, technology and economic cooperation as they seek to strengthen bilateral ties.
