PM Modi highlighted India’s technology-driven transformation at VivaTech 2026, showcasing innovations in AI, digital payments, agriculture, fisheries, healthcare, startups, and nuclear energy. He invited global businesses and innovators to partner with India, emphasizing inclusive growth, digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and grassroots prosperity powered by technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted India’s growing technological capabilities and their impact on improving lives across the country, stating that technology-driven solutions are delivering prosperity at the grassroots level. Addressing the prestigious VivaTech 2026 conference in Paris, Europe’s largest technology and startup event, the Prime Minister emphasized that India’s innovation ecosystem is transforming sectors ranging from agriculture and fisheries to healthcare, digital services, artificial intelligence, and energy.
Speaking before global business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers, PM Modi underlined India’s commitment to ensuring that technological advancements benefit every section of society.
“Technology must be democratised and accessible to all if it is to create meaningful progress,” the Prime Minister said, stressing that innovation should not remain confined to urban centers or privileged communities.
Highlighting practical examples of technology being used for social and economic development, PM Modi referred to an artificial intelligence application named Sarlaben, which communicates with millions of women dairy farmers in their local languages. The AI-powered platform provides expert advice on livestock health, dairy management, and productivity improvement, helping rural women enhance their income and livelihoods.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the increasing role of women in India’s agricultural modernization. According to him, women are being trained as drone pilots and are using advanced drone technology for fertilizer spraying, crop monitoring, and precision farming.
In the fisheries sector, satellite-based technology is helping fishermen identify promising fishing zones. This enables them to save fuel, reduce travel time, and improve their catches, thereby increasing earnings and supporting sustainable fishing practices.
“Our technology solutions are delivering prosperity at the grassroots level,” PM Modi remarked.
The Prime Minister further highlighted the remarkable growth of India’s startup ecosystem, noting that the country now has more than 200,000 startups, making it one of the most vibrant innovation hubs in the world. He said Indian startups are actively contributing to advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, clean energy, space technology, and digital services.
PM Modi also drew attention to India’s achievements in science and strategic technologies. He recalled that India became the first nation to successfully land near the Moon’s south pole, a milestone that demonstrated the country’s growing capabilities in space exploration.
Additionally, he noted that India’s prototype fast breeder reactor recently achieved criticality, bringing the nation closer to realizing its long-term three-stage nuclear energy program. The initiative aims to utilize India’s vast thorium reserves and strengthen the country’s clean energy future.
Addressing the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future, PM Modi emphasized that AI should be developed responsibly and inclusively.
“AI must improve lives, widen access, drive growth, and help sustain a healthy planet,” he said. “For India, AI means all-inclusive.”
As the AI Country Partner at VivaTech 2026, India is showcasing its vision of using artificial intelligence as a tool for inclusive development and sustainable growth.
In a separate address at the event, PM Modi extended an invitation to global businesses, investors, innovators, and startup founders to collaborate with India.
“Work with India and deliver for all,” he said, highlighting the country’s strengths, including a vast talent pool, affordable data services, low-cost green energy, and a policy environment designed to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Prime Minister said India has undergone rapid digital transformation over the last decade, driven by technology-led governance and digital infrastructure. He highlighted the success of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), noting that nearly half of the world’s real-time digital transactions now take place in India.
He also pointed out that UPI services are now available in France, including at iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower and Paris Airport, reflecting India’s expanding digital influence globally.
PM Modi further highlighted initiatives such as DigiLocker and PM Gati Shakti, which have improved service delivery, governance efficiency, and infrastructure planning through technology.
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Recalling his address at VivaTech in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister said the world continues to face disruptions of various kinds. However, innovation remains a powerful solution to global challenges.
“Where convention fails, innovation can help,” he said, reiterating India’s belief that technology and entrepreneurship can drive sustainable development and shared prosperity.
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The Prime Minister’s address reinforced India’s ambition to become a leading global technology and innovation hub while ensuring that the benefits of growth reach citizens at every level of society.
