On April 09th Prime Minister Narendra Modi set on voyage for his three nation tours to France, Germany and Canada. His first destination was France. Shri Modi was there for two days from April 10th to April 11th. Prior embarking his visit Shri Narendra Modi had taken to twitter and expressed his delight about the visit.
My France, Germany & Canada visit is centred around supporting India's economic agenda & creating jobs for our youth. https://t.co/fQ7PaZbrbx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 28, 2015
Will discuss strengthening India-France economic co-operation & visit some high-tech industrial units outside Paris. https://t.co/OfRt8jLmPO — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 28, 2015
France had been India's long standing partner in the areas of defence and nuclear energy cooperation. Also it was France that consistently supported India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. On the very first day, the Indian Prime Minister was given a warm ceremonial reception. In his two day trail, Prime Minister Modi met a number of French leaders and business delegates and CEOs. He met President Francois Hollande and termed the meeting to be very fruitful.
Glimpses from today's ceremonial welcome in Paris. pic.twitter.com/DgEMrvLkQp — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 10, 2015
Ma réunion avec le Président @fhollande fut très productif. Nous avons discuté des moyens de renforcer les relations franco-indiennes. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 10, 2015
My meeting with President @fhollande was very productive. We discussed further strengthening of India-France ties. pic.twitter.com/0BZwM9qLcV
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 10, 2015
The PM also met UNESO Director General, Ms. Irina Bokova, and former French President Mr. Nicholas Sarkozy.
Met the former President of France, Mr. @NicolasSarkozy. pic.twitter.com/oFWZGR1Z3n — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2015
President Hollande and PM Modi also took a boat ride on the River Seine. The President of France himself briefed PM Narendra Modi about the rich history and traditions of France.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gave an address to the members of UNESCO. Shri Modi was delighted to have got an opportunity to speak to the members of UNESCO on its 70th anniversary. He highlighted UNESCO's efforts and initiatives to preserve the world's cultural heritage and strengthening it further. PM Modi also recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s message to UNESCO calling for urgent action to address the needs of education to secure lasting peace. Shri Modi remarked that the collective goal of all the nations was to seek a harmonious and prosperous future for the entire world. He expressed his gratefulness for UNESCO's constant support in the field of education and science in India.
Our collective goal is to seek a peaceful and prosperous future for our world in which every nation has a voice: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 10, 2015
I recall Mahatma Gandhi's message to UNESCO calling for urgent action to address the needs of education to secure lasting peace: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 10, 2015
We are grateful for UNESCO's support for education and science in India and for preservation of our cultural heritage: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 10, 2015
UNESCO's initiatives to preserve the world's cultural heritage, including in India are inspiring: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 10, 2015
At the Indo-French economic forum, 17 crucial agreements were signed between both the nations. Shri Narendra Modi considered France to be India’s one of the most valued friend also thanked the French President to have supported the 'Make in India' initiative. A thrust was given to the India-France ties with the Indo-French forum. PM Modi and President Hollande also released stamps making the 50 years of India-France cooperation.
The signing of agreements is underway in Paris. PM @narendramodi and President @fhollande are witnessing the signing pic.twitter.com/nYnhjaCuZq — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 10, 2015
PM @narendramodi and President @fhollande releasing the stamps. pic.twitter.com/v1uDqHbyTx — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 10, 2015
President @fhollande has supported @makeinindia initiative especially in defence sector: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 10, 2015
Our strategic partnership has reached a new level that will benefit both our nations: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 10, 2015
On the second day of his France tour, Shri Narendra Modi paid a visit to the Airbus facility in Toulouse, the Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES) and Neuve Chapelle. At the Airbus facility, Shri Modi was taken around the entire building and briefed about the latest inventions in air industry. At the CNES, the PM met a few young researchers. He was informed about the latest developments in space science and technology.
Amazing visit to @Airbus Facility. They are very enthusiastic about @makeinindia initiative. pic.twitter.com/2KBJCEvbq1 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2015
The Prime Minister is at the CNES in Toulouse. pic.twitter.com/EkCHcCm8Vc — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 11, 2015
Took selfies with young friends at CNES. We were all trying to take the best selfie out there. pic.twitter.com/xPmKNCgi3G — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2015
Later PM Modi visited Neuve Chapelle where he offered tributes to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War.
A photo posted by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) on Apr 11, 2015 at 6:57am PDT
In the evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to the Indian diaspora in Paris' Carrousel du Louvre. He was joyful to see people come in such large numbers. Speaking to the Indian crowd the PM highlighted the shared values between India and France. Noting the contribution of the Indian soldiers during the First World War, the PM said that India had always spread the message of peace. The Prime Minister touched upon crucial areas of security and strongly pitched for India's membership in the U.N. Security Council.
Your enthusiasm makes everyone back at home in India very happy: PM @narendramodi speaks at the community reception in Paris — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 11, 2015
India is a Nation that has always believed in world peace: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 11, 2015
This is the opportunity to give the land of Mahatma Gandhi & Lord Buddha its due. We are not begging, we are seeking what is our right: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 11, 2015
Prior concluding his visit, Shri Narendra Modi gifted President Francois Hollande a painting, 'Tree of life'.
Presented the painting, 'Tree of Life' to President @fhollande https://t.co/vsvRhSaJAE pic.twitter.com/wFJdbwC2HZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2015
The painting, 'Tree of Life', reflects traditional societal respect for nature in India. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 12, 2015
With multiple roots & branches like a banyan tree, it symbolises tree’s benevolence, fruit, seeds, shelter, healing, procreation (Cont). — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 12, 2015
and regeneration faculties that sustain life and clean the environment. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 12, 2015
Shri Narendra Modi thanked France for having hosted him warmly over the two days. He was optimistic that the strategic partnership between both the nations would be fortified with enhanced cooperation in defence and technology sectors. The PM even tweeted in French and expressed his contentment and hoped that India and France would walk shoulder to shoulder in the times to come.
Merci la France ! Un champ substantiel a été couvert. Merci au gouvernement et peuple français. Conserverons toujours cet enthousiasme.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2015
Thank you France! Substantial ground was covered during my visit. Thankful to French Govt & people. Will always cherish the enthusiasm. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2015
