Paris and New Delhi Affirm Strategic Partnership Ahead of G7 Summit

French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed their strong partnership at an exhibition opening in Nice on Sunday, ahead of the G7 summit. The event showcases Indian innovations, described by Macron as "indispensable." During the "Bharat Innovates" exhibition opening with the Indian Prime Minister, Macron stated, "The question is not whether India innovates, but who will innovate with India." Officials noted this event, showcasing Indian tech products, is held outside India for the first time, following the declaration of 2026 as the "Year of French-Indian Innovation." Modi invited investors, researchers, and entrepreneurs to "come to India and work with us to develop solutions from India for the world." Macron stressed that India "has become a major innovation nation, building its own revolutionary models, and is indispensable," highlighting successes in space and AI, and urging Europeans to "view India differently." Modi will attend the G7 summit, starting Monday in Evian. France invited the Indian PM to specific sessions of the summit, gathering major industrial powers aiming to diversify partnerships.