NEW DELHI, Feb. 26, 2026 — An official delegation of 23 innovative French companies traveled to India to commemorate the launch of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, a landmark initiative inaugurated in Mumbai by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ceremony, held at the iconic Gateway of India, symbolized a renewed commitment to deepening strategic cooperation between the two nations.
The Year of Innovation was officially launched during President Macron’s fourth state visit to India and marks a significant evolution in bilateral relations. The initiative places innovation—across technology, industry, sustainability, healthcare, culture, and the creative sectors—at the center of Indo-French collaboration. It is structured around four priority pillars: Aerospace; Health, Well-being & Food; Sustainable Development & Energy Transition; and Cultural and Creative Industries.
A Week of High-Level Engagement
The delegation was led by Business France, the public agency responsible for supporting the international growth of the French economy. Throughout their visit to Mumbai and New Delhi, representatives of the 23 companies engaged with Indian government officials, private sector leaders, academic institutions, and innovation stakeholders.
The program combined participation in the official inauguration ceremony with business-to-business meetings, sector-focused workshops, and strategic discussions aimed at accelerating industrial partnerships, joint research and development initiatives, and cross-border technology collaborations.
A key highlight of the visit was the delegation’s engagement at AIIMS New Delhi (All India Institute of Medical Sciences). There, French companies took part in RUSH, a major academic and scientific forum dedicated to strengthening Franco-Indian cooperation in health and medical research. In the presence of President Macron, participants discussed advancements in hospital innovation, AI-driven healthcare systems, and collaborative research opportunities, underscoring the growing synergy between the two countries in science and medicine.
France at the India AI Impact Summit
The delegation’s visit coincided with the India AI Impact Summit & Expo 2026, one of the region’s leading platforms dedicated to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. France marked the occasion by unveiling the largest international pavilion at the exhibition, spanning 436 square meters. The pavilion demonstrated France’s commitment to fostering sovereign, ethical, and high-performance AI cooperation with India.
The strong French presence at the summit highlighted shared ambitions in responsible AI development, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and next-generation industrial solutions. It also reinforced the broader objectives of the Year of Innovation by positioning AI and deep technology at the forefront of bilateral engagement.
A Diverse and Dynamic Delegation
The 23 participating companies represented a wide cross-section of France’s innovation ecosystem. Their areas of expertise included aerospace and space technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, industrial engineering, healthcare innovation, sustainable solutions, and digital transformation.
Among the delegation members were Transvalor, Infinite Orbits, Aldoria, Eutelsat, Equinix, Exotrail, Wiremind, Exail Aerospace, Metroscope, Cailabs, and Choose Paris Region, among others. Together, they showcased the breadth of French technological capability and the potential for meaningful partnerships with Indian counterparts.
By bringing together established firms, scale-ups, research-driven enterprises, and policy-focused organizations, the delegation illustrated France’s integrated approach to innovation—linking industry, academia, and government strategy.
Building on a Long-Term Roadmap
The India–France Year of Innovation 2026 builds upon the Horizon 2047 roadmap, a long-term strategic framework aimed at strengthening cooperation as both nations look toward the centenary of India’s independence. The initiative reinforces shared ambitions to promote technological sovereignty, expand industrial collaboration, and cultivate sustainable innovation ecosystems.
Leaders from both countries emphasized that the partnership rests on mutual trust, aligned strategic interests, and shared democratic values. The Year of Innovation is intended not only to generate immediate business outcomes but also to lay the groundwork for long-term collaboration in critical sectors shaping the global economy.
About Business France
Business France serves as the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy. With more than 1,400 employees operating across France and in 53 countries, the organization assists French companies in expanding abroad, promotes exports, and works to attract foreign investment into France. It also manages the V.I.E. international internship program, connecting businesses with young professionals for overseas assignments.
In 2024, Business France helped generate €1.8 billion in additional export revenue for French small and medium-sized enterprises and contributed to thousands of projected job creations through foreign investment facilitation.
The official delegation’s visit to India reflects a deepening of Indo-French cooperation at a pivotal time for global innovation. By aligning priorities in aerospace, healthcare, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and culture, both nations are positioning themselves as collaborative partners in shaping the technologies and industries of the future.
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