PM Modi highlights India’s tech growth at VivaTech 2026
India-EU free trade deal to boost trade, technology and tourism, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke at VivaTech 2026 in Paris, one of Europe’s biggest technology events. During his speech, he said that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will help increase trade, improve technology partnerships, and boost tourism between India and Europe.
His speech came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that India and the European Union are likely to sign the long-awaited trade deal by the end of this year. This agreement is being seen as an important step in strengthening economic ties between India and Europe.
PM Modi said the agreement will create many new opportunities for both sides. He explained that it will not only improve business and investment but also allow better exchange of talent, ideas, and technology.
The Prime Minister said 2026 is a very important year for India and Europe because both sides are working closely in many sectors. He called the free trade agreement “historic” and said it would benefit businesses, startups, and ordinary people.
VivaTech is a major annual event in Paris where global leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and technology experts come together to discuss innovation and future technologies. This year marked its 10th edition.
PM Modi congratulated French President Emmanuel Macron and the organisers for making VivaTech a successful global platform.
He also spoke about the “India-France Year of Innovation,” saying it is helping connect the technology systems of India and Europe more closely. According to him, France is playing an important role in building this bridge.
India’s fast technology growth
During his speech, PM Modi said India is going through a major transformation because of technology.
He explained that over the last ten years, India has made huge progress in using digital systems to improve people’s lives.
One of the biggest examples he gave was India’s digital identity system. He said India has created the world’s largest digital identity platform, helping millions of people access government services easily.
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He also talked about UPI, India’s Unified Payments Interface. UPI has become one of the most successful digital payment systems in the world.
According to PM Modi, nearly half of the world’s real-time digital transactions now happen in India through UPI.
He said UPI has made life easier for people by allowing fast, secure, and simple money transfers.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that UPI can now be used in France at places like the Eiffel Tower and Paris Airport. This shows how India’s digital payment technology is expanding globally.
He said technology in India is not limited to payments. It is being used in many important sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion.
For example, telemedicine services are helping people in remote villages connect with doctors. Digital education platforms are making learning easier for students across the country.
In agriculture, technology is helping farmers get better information about weather, crop management, and market prices.
PM Modi said India believes technology should benefit everyone, not just a few people.
He said in today’s changing world, technology must solve real problems and improve people’s lives.
Startups and future innovation
PM Modi also praised India’s growing startup ecosystem.
He said Indian startups are creating new ideas and building strong partnerships with companies around the world.
He mentioned that recent innovation events, including “Bharat Innovates” held in Nice and VivaTech in Paris, are helping Indian startups connect with global markets.
According to him, these partnerships will help bring more investment, knowledge, and growth opportunities.
India has become one of the world’s largest startup hubs, with thousands of young entrepreneurs working in sectors like artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, education, and clean energy.
PM Modi said startups are playing a big role in India’s economic growth and future development.
He also spoke about India’s progress in advanced fields like space technology and nuclear energy.
He said India is expanding the boundaries of human capability by investing in these sectors.
India’s space missions, satellite launches, and scientific research are gaining worldwide recognition. At the same time, the country is working on clean energy solutions, including nuclear power.
PM Modi said innovation will be the key to solving future global challenges.
He stressed that India wants to work together with Europe and other countries to build better technology for the world.
The upcoming India-EU trade agreement is expected to make this cooperation stronger.
Experts believe that the deal could improve exports, reduce trade barriers, and encourage more investment from European companies in India.
It may also help Indian businesses enter European markets more easily.
Tourism could also grow because easier business relations often increase travel between countries.
For students and professionals, the agreement may create more opportunities for education, jobs, and skill exchange.
PM Modi’s speech at VivaTech showed India’s strong focus on innovation, digital growth, and global cooperation.
His message was clear: India is growing fast in technology and wants to build stronger partnerships with Europe for a better future.
With the India-EU trade deal moving closer to completion, both sides may enter a new phase of economic and technological cooperation in the coming months.
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