Goyal, Nice Mayor Talk Expanding India-France Ties in Innovation
As India and France commemorate the Year of Innovation, leaders from both nations engaged in talks to enhance cooperation in trade, technology, and emerging sectors during a meeting between Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Mayor Eric Ciotti of Nice.
In a post on X, Goyal said, "Wrapped up a productive day in Nice by hosting a dinner in the presence of the Mayor of Nice, Mr. Eric Ciotti, alongside distinguished leaders from government, business, innovation and investment ecosystems."
He noted that the evening provided an "excellent opportunity" to exchange ideas and explore new avenues for collaboration across trade, technology, and emerging sectors.
Also Read: Sigma Advanced Systems Bags Rs.208 Crore Export Order
He mentioned that the evening offered a "great chance" to share thoughts and investigate fresh paths for cooperation in trade, technology, and new industries.
He emphasized that, as India progresses towards a Viksit Bharat, the collaboration with France keeps creating new opportunities for co-innovation and technological progress, while promoting solutions that benefit not just the two countries but also the broader global community.
He mentioned that Nice is hosting Bharat Innovates 2026 at the Palais des Expositions, highlighting India's deep-tech capabilities globally, with 120 innovative startups and more than 20 Institutes of Excellence across 13 key technology sectors. The event has attracted over 350 notable investors and venture capitalists globally.
It highlights the Government of India's dedication to turning the nation into a worldwide innovation center under the Viksit Bharat vision while reiterating the importance of India-France collaboration in enhancing the global technology environment.
The Mayor of Nice, Eric Ciotti, referred to India as a vital partner for the future and reaffirmed his dedication to making Nice a globally accessible city, emphasizing investment, innovation, and international collaborations.
Also Read: FSSAI Mandates 'Vegan' Logo on Approved Food Packages from 2027
He additionally conducted a bilateral meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and shared perspectives on collaboration between Nice and India.
Previously, the Mayor of Nice met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss potential economic collaboration between Nice and India.
He also presented PM Modi with the City of Nice medal, emphasizing the intent to strengthen connections in areas like economy, academia, technology, and culture. India and France announced 13 significant results covering innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), trade, education, space, and strategic collaboration during the initial phase of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to France, highlighting the strengthening of their bilateral relationship.
Also Read: India to Roll Out E85 Fuel in Push for Flex Fuel Mobility
Regarding the economy, India and France chose to create a high-level framework to aim for doubling bilateral trade within the next five years, enhancing the current Economic and Financial Dialogue. Both parties established an Economic Security Dialogue.