Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal invited global business leaders, CEOs, investors, and innovators to partner with India at Bharat Innovates 2026 in France. Highlighting the India-France innovation partnership, Goyal emphasized opportunities in technology, luxury manufacturing, digital payments, and sustainable growth while advancing UPI’s global expansion.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called upon global business leaders, investors, chief executive officers, and innovators to collaborate with India in building a sustainable and innovation-driven future. Addressing the closing ceremony of Bharat Innovates 2026 in France on Tuesday, the minister expressed confidence in the achievements of the three-day event and underscored the growing strength of the India-France innovation partnership.
Speaking at the concluding session, Goyal highlighted that the shared vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron under the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 has created a transformative platform for cooperation between the two countries. He noted that the initiative reflects the commitment of both nations to deepen collaboration in emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
The minister said the outcomes of Bharat Innovates 2026 demonstrate the immense potential that exists when India and France work together in areas of technology, research, investment, and industrial development. He emphasized that the partnership can serve as a model for international cooperation focused on innovation-led growth.
In a post on social media platform X, Goyal extended an invitation to global investors and innovators to join India’s growth story. He stated that India offers vast opportunities for businesses seeking to scale innovation and contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future.
During his visit to France, Goyal also toured the renowned Fragonard Factory in Grasse, a city globally recognized as the heart of the fragrance industry. The visit provided insights into the rich history and legacy of French perfume manufacturing, which has influenced the global fragrance sector for generations.
The minister interacted with leaders from the Grasse Institute of Perfumery and representatives of the French fragrance industry. He congratulated Fragonard as it prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2026 and acknowledged the remarkable achievement of PRODAROM, which completed 300 years in 2024. According to Goyal, these milestones reflect France’s enduring excellence and heritage in fragrance production.
Highlighting future opportunities, Goyal discussed the potential for deeper collaboration between India and France in luxury manufacturing, design, premium products, and high-value trade. He said that by combining France’s expertise in luxury industries with India’s rich cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and skilled workforce, both countries can unlock new avenues for innovation and growth.
The minister further stated that such cooperation could help position India as a leading global player in the premium fragrance and luxury goods sectors. He stressed that innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability would be key drivers of future economic partnerships between the two nations.
Another major highlight of Goyal’s visit was the launch of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the iconic Galeries Lafayette Nice Massena in France. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the international expansion of India’s digital payments ecosystem.
Goyal noted that bringing UPI to one of France’s premier retail destinations demonstrates India’s ability to deliver trusted, seamless, and interoperable digital solutions at a global scale. The launch, supported by Lyra Collect and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), is expected to enhance convenience for Indian travelers and strengthen cross-border digital payment connectivity.
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The minister said the UPI rollout further reinforces the economic and technological ties between India and France, reflecting the growing depth and ambition of the strategic partnership. As both countries continue to expand cooperation across innovation, trade, technology, and digital transformation, Bharat Innovates 2026 has emerged as a powerful platform for fostering long-term collaboration and shared prosperity.
