Quick Take
- PM Modi told VivaTech 2026 in Paris that AI must stay human-centric and “All Inclusive” for India.
- He cited 25 crore people lifted from poverty and exports rising 35-fold over 12 years.
- India is the AI Country Partner at VivaTech 2026, with 80-plus deep-tech startups present.
In This Article
The India AI Vision took the spotlight in Paris on June 18, 2026, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi told VivaTech 2026 that artificial intelligence (AI) must be “All Inclusive” and human-centric to truly serve people.
Modi spoke at VivaTech 2026, Europe’s biggest technology event, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. India is the AI Country Partner this year. He argued that technology drives progress only when it is democratised, widening access for founders, farmers, and students alike (ANI report).
StartupFeed Insight
The real signal here is positioning, not poetry. By framing AI as “All Inclusive” and pitching the MANAV governance framework, India is selling a Global South alternative to both US and Chinese AI models. Investors and policymakers should watch the India-EU free trade agreement closely, since it opens talent and technology corridors that local deep-tech startups can use fast. StartupFeed expects at least three to five India-France AI partnerships to be formalised before December 2026, especially in agritech and digital public infrastructure. The diaspora theatre is loud, but the FTA pipeline is where founders will actually find capital and customers. By StartupFeed Desk.
What did Modi say at VivaTech 2026?
Modi said AI must improve lives, widen access, drive growth, and help sustain a healthy planet. He delivered this message at VivaTech 2026 as India’s headline pitch.
“Let us take the example of AI. AI must improve lives, widen access, drive growth and also help us sustain a healthy planet,” Modi said, according to an Indian government readout. He added that for India, AI means “All Inclusive.” He also stressed that India is expanding human capability from space technologies to nuclear energy.
Modi noted that 2026 is a special year for India and Europe. At the start of the year, both sides concluded the historic India-EU free trade agreement. He said the pact will expand trade and investment, and open pathways for talent, technology, and tourism (India TV News).
India AI Vision: The Key Numbers
India’s growth story over 12 years anchors this India AI Vision. Modi shared the headline figures while addressing the Indian diaspora in Paris on the same day.
| Metric | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| People out of poverty | 25 crore (250 Mn) | Over 12 years (PM Modi) |
| Export growth | 35-fold rise | Past 12 years (PM Modi) |
| Mobile manufacturing | 100-fold growth | World’s 2nd largest maker |
| VivaTech 2026 role | AI Country Partner | India’s largest-ever presence |
| Indian startups present | 80-plus deep-tech firms | PMO statement |
| Event date | June 17-20, 2026 | Paris, 10th edition |
The standout claim is the 100-fold jump in mobile manufacturing, which Modi said makes India the world’s second-largest mobile maker. He also noted GDP, airports, universities, and highways have all doubled.
About VivaTech 2026
VivaTech is Europe’s largest technology and startup event, held annually in Paris. The 10th edition runs from June 17 to 20, 2026, drawing entrepreneurs, investors, and global leaders. India serves as the AI Country Partner this year, showcasing AI, digital public infrastructure, health-tech, and space tech. More than 80 Indian deep-tech startups joined, marking the country’s largest-ever footprint, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Why does this India AI Vision matter?
This India AI Vision matters because it stakes out a clear governance stance during a global race over AI rules. Modi is positioning India as a voice for the Global South.
“In 2021, when I addressed VivaTech, the world was facing the disruption of Covid-19. Today, the world is experiencing disruptions of other kinds,” Modi said.
Modi has long pushed the MANAV framework for ethical AI governance. He repeated his core line that technology must “serve humanity, not replace it.” For founders, this signals strong state backing for inclusive, India-first AI products that can scale to other emerging markets.
What did Modi warn about at the G7?
A day earlier, Modi warned at a G7 session on AI that misuse could expose children to misinformation, deepfakes, and exploitation. He called for stronger global cooperation against these risks.
| AI Risk Flagged | Modi’s Proposed Response |
|---|---|
| Misinformation | Global cooperation and safeguards |
| Deepfakes | Stronger cross-border rules |
| Child exploitation | Safe, supervised AI use |
Modi said AI can also educate children in their own languages, boost creativity, and personalise learning. The catch is balance: without safeguards, the same tools can cause real harm. This dual message, opportunity plus caution, defines India’s AI policy pitch.
What’s Next
VivaTech 2026 closes on June 20, 2026, so expect more India-France deal announcements through the weekend. The bigger milestone is the India-EU free trade agreement, which Ursula von der Leyen said both sides aim to sign by the end of 2026. Watch for fresh AI and deep-tech partnerships flowing from that pact. Which Indian startup will land the first big France deal?
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: June 19, 2026 at 11:30 IST
Written by Avinash. Published: June 19, 2026. Updated: June 19, 2026. Have a tip? Write to us at editorial@startupfeed.in.
