Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will jointly launch the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 during President Macron’s official visit to India. The initiative marks a new phase in the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries, with a strong focus on innovation, research and emerging technologies. The launch event will bring together policymakers, business leaders, start-ups, scientists and academic institutions from both sides. It aims to strengthen collaboration in future-oriented sectors and promote joint research, technological exchange and deeper people-to-people engagement between India and France.
Highlights of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026
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The initiative reinforces the India-France Strategic Partnership through a dedicated year focused on innovation and technology.
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It will deepen cooperation in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation and advanced research.
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The launch event will gather innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and industry leaders from both countries.
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It aims to promote joint research projects, academic exchanges and start-up collaborations.
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The programme supports stronger industry-academia linkages between Indian and French institutions.
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It encourages investment and technology transfer in high-growth and future sectors.
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The initiative aligns with broader cooperation in defence, space, energy and climate action.
- It highlights India and France’s shared commitment to building resilient and future-ready innovation ecosystems.
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The year-long activities will include conferences, exhibitions, workshops and business forums.
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Overall, it seeks to institutionalise long-term collaboration in science, technology and innovation between the two nations.
Repeated Previous Year Questions
| Exam | Year | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC Civil Services (Prelims) | 2020 | The 'Varuna' naval exercise is conducted between India and which country? (A) USA (B) France (C) Russia (D) Australia | (B) France |
| CDS | 2019 | Exercise ‘Garuda’ is a bilateral air exercise between India and which country? (A) UK (B) Israel (C) France (D) Japan | (C) France |
| NDA | 2021 | ‘Shakti’ is a joint military exercise conducted between India and which country? (A) Sri Lanka (B) Nepal (C) France (D) USA | (C) France |
| UPSC Civil Services (Prelims) | 2016 | India signed the Rafale fighter aircraft deal with which country? (A) USA (B) France (C) Sweden (D) Russia | (B) France |
| State PSC | 2022 | The International Solar Alliance was jointly launched by India and which country? (A) Germany (B) France (C) UK (D) Japan | (B) France |
| SSC CGL (General Awareness) | 2017 | The headquarters of UNESCO is located in which city? (A) Geneva (B) Paris (C) Vienna (D) Rome | (B) Paris |
| UPSC Civil Services (Prelims) | 2015 | Which of the following countries is a permanent member of the UN Security Council? (A) Germany (B) Japan (C) France (D) India | (C) France |
| SSC CHSL | 2019 | Paris is the capital of which country? (A) Italy (B) Spain (C) France (D) Belgium | (C) France |
Conclusion (India-France Year of Innovation 2026)
The India-France Year of Innovation 2026 reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, with innovation placed at the centre of future cooperation. By focusing on technology, research, start-ups and emerging sectors, the initiative aims to create long-term institutional collaboration beyond traditional diplomatic ties. It strengthens industry, academic and scientific linkages while encouraging joint solutions to global challenges such as climate change and digital transformation. More than a symbolic gesture, the Year of Innovation is a structured effort to build resilient innovation ecosystems and reinforce India and France as trusted partners in shaping a technology-driven future.
