Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed VivaTech 2026 in Paris, Europe's largest technology event, highlighting India's rapid digital transformation and technological achievements. The speech emphasized the recent India-EU Free Trade Agreement conclusion and the India-France Year of Innovation initiative as bridges connecting tech ecosystems between India and Europe.
India's digital public infrastructure achievements were detailed, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) which now processes half of the world's real-time digital transactions and is operational in France at locations including the Eiffel Tower and Paris Airport. DigiLocker, one of the world's largest digital document wallets, serves 700 million users with access to over 2,000 standard documents, eliminating the need for physical document storage. The Gatishakti platform integrates more than 1,600 geographic data layers on a single GIS-based map, reducing infrastructure project survey times from months to weeks.
The Swamitva program has prepared over 31 million property cards across nearly 200,000 villages using drones, geospatial mapping, and modern survey technology, enabling rural households to use property as financial assets. India's startup ecosystem was highlighted with over 200,000 startups, showcasing innovations including the world's first single-piece 3D printed rocket engine, advanced genetic-engineering therapies, AI solutions for cancer detection and cybersecurity, autonomous robots, and smart city solutions.
The government is supporting private enterprise through simplified regulations, ease of doing business, and targeted incentives exceeding $50 billion. India offers one of the world's most affordable data and low-cost green energy. The speech positioned India as the world's largest talent pool and open society, with AI representing "All Inclusive" development that improves lives, widens access, drives growth, and sustains a healthy planet.