Paris:
Addressing Europe’s largest technology and start-up event, Modi said India believed that in an era of disruption, technology must “deliver for all”. He invited global technology companies, investors and innovators to work with India, saying his government was easing regulations, improving ease of doing business and creating new opportunities for partnerships.
The Prime Minister also urged delegates to visit the India pavilion, saying it reflected the strength of India’s start-up ecosystem and the country’s energy for innovation. He said the pavilion showcased emerging technologies, from the world’s first 3D-printed rocket engine to advanced genetic engineering therapies and AI solutions capable of detecting cancer and other critical diseases.
“For India, AI means all-inclusive,” Modi said, underlining that inclusivity remained central to the government’s technology vision. He said AI could improve access, drive economic growth and support a healthier planet.
Citing the example of Sarlaben, a voice-first AI assistant launched by Amul, Modi said the technology was helping women dairy farmers manage livestock, including nutrition and health support.
The Prime Minister said India had undergone a rapid technology-driven transformation over the past decade, from building the world’s largest digital identity system to creating one of the world’s largest digital payment platforms. He said technology was being used at scale for financial inclusion, education, telemedicine, agriculture and other sectors.
Highlighting India’s leadership in digital payments, Modi said half of the world’s real-time digital transactions now take place in India through the Unified Payments Interface. He added that UPI could now also be used in France, including at the Eiffel Tower and Paris airport.
He also cited DigiLocker as an example of India’s digital public infrastructure, saying it had enabled 700 million people to access authentic documents without relying on physical copies.
Modi said India was expanding the frontiers of human capability in areas ranging from space technology to nuclear energy. Referring to India’s space achievements, he said the country had become the first to land near the south pole of the Moon.
The Prime Minister also highlighted government initiatives such as the SVAMITVA scheme and PM GatiShakti, saying digital technology was transforming lives across India.
Speaking on India-Europe ties, Modi said 2026 was a special year for both sides, noting that the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement had been concluded earlier this year. He said the agreement would expand trade and investment while opening new pathways for talent, technology and tourism.
“With the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, France is serving as an important bridge that is bringing the tech ecosystems of India and Europe closer,” he said.
Modi’s address came during his visit to France, where he participated in the G7 Summit over the past two days and held talks with several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump.
Earlier on Thursday, the Prime Minister met leading business executives in Paris and discussed investment opportunities and expansion plans in India. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions with CEOs of French companies focused on strengthening cooperation across sectors, including shipping and logistics, railways, construction and artificial intelligence.