VivaTech 2026: India AI Country Partner, MANAV Framework
Why in the news
India took centre stage at Europe’s biggest startup and technology gathering. PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron appeared together, and Modi used the platform to present India’s approach to responsible AI.
Key facts
- Event: VivaTech (Viva Technology) 2026, the 10th anniversary edition; founded 2016.
- Dates and venue: 17-20 June 2026, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris; public Festival on 20 June.
- India’s role: official AI Country Partner.
- Joint participation: Modi and Macron on 18 June 2026, addressing entrepreneurs, startups, investors and business leaders on human-centric AI, India-France tech partnership, inclusive AI and India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI).
- Co-organisers: Publicis Groupe and Les Echos-Le Parisien Group.
- Country of the Year 2026: Germany, the first European nation to get the title.
Scale of the event
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Visitors | Over 200,000 from 165 countries (about 180,000 on main professional days) |
| Startups | 15,000+ |
| Exhibitors | 4,500 (61% international) |
| Investors | 4,000 |
| Business sectors | 30+ |
Themes: AI and productivity, cybersecurity and defence, GreenTech, space and DeepTech. An open-air showcase on the Champs-Élysées on 14 June drew 150,000 visitors.
The MANAV framework
PM Modi’s roadmap for responsible AI governance, rooted in democratic values and Global South priorities.
| Letter | Stands for |
|---|---|
| M | Moral and Ethical Systems |
| A | Accountable Governance |
| N | National Sovereignty |
| A | Accessible and Inclusive |
| V | Valid and Legitimate AI |
India and VivaTech over time
| Year | Link |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Modi gave a keynote during COVID-19 |
| 2022 | India became the first “Country of the Year” |
| 2026 | AI Country Partner; Modi took part again; India-France Year of Innovation |
India’s pavilion, the largest it has mounted, showcased AI, DPI, health-tech, clean technologies, advanced computing, mobility and space technology.
Exam angle
- MANAV expansion and its five pillars; proposed by PM Modi.
- India: AI Country Partner 2026 and first Country of the Year (2022); Germany holds 2026 title.
- Venue Paris; India-France Year of Innovation 2026.