India's technological self-reliance to be on display at VivaTech 2026 in Paris: Jawed Ashraf

India is the AI Partner Country at VivaTech 2026 in Paris next week and the country’s efforts to build sovereign capabilities and self-reliance in key technology areas will be on display at the global mega technology show, Jawed Ashraf, chairman of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) told ET.

VivaTech is Europe’s largest technology and innovation exhibition and one of the world’s largest. It is a platform that supports a wide range of themes in application of technology and innovation. It attracts over 170,000 visitors from 170 countries, 14,000 startups, global tech companies and leaders from governments, finance and technology, Ashraf (India’s former envoy to France and Singapore) said, adding, It is important for India and Indian startups to be present in every such platform. “It amplifies India’s successes and opportunities. And, for startups, it is an opportunity to connect with international capital, collaborations and markets. It also enables them to study global trends and benchmark themselves against global standards.”

ITPO has been engaged with VivaTech and has invested in hosting, organising and designing the India Pavilion, mobilising participation, structuring panel discussions, branding, logistics and all other issues associated with India’s participation. ITPO has set up the largest national pavilion at this edition of VivaTech, a symbol of the enormous potential for partnership between Indian and European innovation ecosystems.


Deep tech will be one key sector where Indian startups will be present at VivaTech to be attended by both PM Narendra Modi and the French President on June 18.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the keynote address at the main stage of VivaTech. Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister Ajay Sood, and Indian tech representatives will also address the meet. “The message is how India is writing its own AI Story, focused on a human-centric approach and applications for transforming our economy and people’s lives. And, that India will have a key role in shaping the future of AI and will matter to the world,” Ashraf pointed out.

The other sectors cover the main themes of VivaTech, including digital public infrastructure, space, cyber security, communications, enterprise solutions, health, green transition and sustainability, mobility and creative industries. Besides presenting Indian startups and companies, the India Pavilion stage will feature panel discussions and presentations to project India’s unique approach and architecture that is delivering solutions at population scale with speed.

India’s association with VivaTech started with PM Modi’s keynote address by video at the height of Covid in 2021. In 2022, India was the first ever Country of the Year in VivaTech. Since then, India’s partnership with VivaTech has grown. “It has happened precisely during the phase of rapid development in the India-France innovation partnership, from digital public infrastructure to advanced computing and cutting-edge technologies. Our approach to the architecture, character and purpose of innovation and technology is similar. We both believe in open, inclusive, accessible, democratic infrastructure that fosters innovation and opportunities, serves public good and creates benefits for all,” Ashraf pointed out.

ITPO recognises that technology and innovation, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence, data, electronics, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and green technology are becoming key drivers of growth, trade and investment. Therefore, ITPO’s strategic priorities include supporting the Indian industry in these sectors.