PM Modi interacts with Indian community in France

Published By : Admin | August 23, 2019 | 13:45 IST
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Today in the 21st century we talk of INFRA. I would like to say that for me it is IN+FRA, which means the alliance between India and France: PM

Distinguished citizens of France,

And my friends here who have enhanced the pride of India
and France, greetings to all of you!
Bon Jour,

Brothers and sisters,

Friendship of India and France is absolutely unbreakable and this friendship is not new, it is centuries old. There is no such occasion or global forum where our countries have not supported each other and have not worked together. So today, this day is dedicated to this friendship.

Friends,

A good friendship means that we support each other in happiness and sorrow, whatever the situation may be. When there is any good achievement in India or France, we are happy for each other. I think that the number of supporters of the French football team in India will probably be more than those in France. When France won the Football World Cup, it was celebrated in India as well with great gusto.

Friends,

Similarly, we stand with each other in the moments of sorrow also. An example of this is also this memorial of two Air India plane accidents in France. Many Indian passengers died in these accidents. One of the greatest scientists of India, Dr. Homi Jahangir Bhabha was one of them. I pay my respects to that great son of India and other Indians who lost their lives in this accident.

Friends,

Every stone in this Memorial is a symbol of our citizens' sensitivity to each other. We salute the guides of Saint-Gervais who helped in the discovery of the plane wreck after the accident. I had the opportunity to contact the families of those guides. I am grateful to those guides and their family members. I thank the Mayor of Saint-Gervais who played a very important role in the construction of this memorial. I express my gratitude to the Government of France, President Macron and the people of France for inviting me and I also thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet you all.

Friends,

When I came to France 4 years ago, I got the opportunity to communicate with thousands of Indians here. I remember that I had made a promise to you then. I had said that India is about to embark on a new journey of hopes and aspirations. Today, when I am here among you, I can say that we not only embarked on that journey, rather with the collective efforts of 130 crore Indians, India is moving forward on the path of development at a great pace. This is the reason that once again the countrymen have supported our government by giving a more powerful mandate than before. This mandate is not just for running a government, but for building a new India. A new India whose rich civilization and culture is pride of the whole world, and which leads the modernism of the 21st century as well. A new India that focuses on Ease of Doing Business and which also ensures Ease of Living.

Friends,

There have been many positive changes in the last five years in India. India's youth power, villages, poor, farmers, and feminine power have been at the center of these changes. I have come to football loving country, and I am here in the midst of football lovers, then I want to say something in the language of football. You guys know very well what the importance of a goal is. In the last five years, we have scored some goals which were previously considered as impossible. But with the team spirit, we have been able to secure and realize those goals.

Friends,

If the maximum number of bank accounts are opened in a country in a given time all over the world, then it is in India. If the biggest health insurance scheme of the whole world is running in any country today, then it is in India. The number of people covered in this scheme is so huge that if you add the entire population of America, Canada and Mexico, even that number will be less in its comparison.

Friends,

Whole world has set a target to eradicate TB by 2030. You will be proud that with the speed at which we are working on it, India will achieve this target by the year 2025. Similarly, the targets for climate change which were set in COP-21 to be achieved in 2030, India will achieve most of them in the next one and a half years.

Friends,

Today many studies are coming in which it is being said that India is eradicating its poverty at a fast pace. This was also one of our goals, which we are pursuing fast. India is full of new energy today and it is signified in the fact that India is also very ahead in the world of start-ups. Talented youth of small towns are making great innovations one after another. 

Friends,

It is also true that in the last five years we have also given red cards to many evils from our country. Today, the way things like corruption, nepotism, the loot of public money, and terrorism are being controlled in the new India that has never happened.

Friends,

There is no question of being tired or stopping in the new India. It has been only 75 days after the formation of the new government, but many big decisions have been taken inspired by the mantra of clear policy and right direction. As soon as the new government was formed, a new ministry was created for hydro power, which will holistically look at all the topics related to water. It was also decided to provide pension facilities to poor farmers and traders. The inhuman practice of triple divorce has been abolished. How can one accept such injustice with our Muslim sisters and daughters? Similarly the government has also taken important decisions in the area of Child Protection and Health. Today a lot of discussion is there also that this time the session of our Parliament was the most productive one in the last six decades. You all know that our Chandrayaan is going to land on the moon on 7th September. After this achievement, India will become the fourth country in the world to land on the moon.

Brothers and sisters,

Amid this progress happening in India, our centuries-old relations with France have strengthened day by day. Attention to each other's needs, sensitivity towards each other, we have moved forward with confidence in each other. India and France, they have fought for each other and have lived for each other also. Both the countries have fought the shoulder to shoulder with the enemies. This is the land where 9,000 Indian soldiers, with the French soldiers, sacrificed their lives fighting for humanity in the First World War.

Friends,

We have fought Imperialism, Fascism and Extremism not only in India but also on the soil of France. Our friendship is built on solid ideals. The character of both countries is built on the shared values of 'Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.' Today, if India and France are closely cooperating in fighting the great threats of the world, then the reason for this is our shared values only. Whether it is terrorism or climate change, we have accepted our collective responsibility to protect the values of democracy from these threats. Another feature of Indo-French relations is that we face challenges with concrete action. There is a lot of talk of climate change in the world, but little action is seen about them. With France we started the initiative of the International Solar Alliance. Today, around 75 countries have joined this and the ISA is bringing real change on the ground against climate change.

Brothers and sisters,

Nowadays we talk about the infra (INFRA) of 21st century. IN plus FRA i.e. synergy and alliance of INDIA and FRANCE: From Solar Infra to Social Infra, From Technical Infra to Space Infra, From Digital Infra to Defence Infra. The Alliance of India and France is moving ahead very strongly. Both countries are also benefiting from the construction of smart urban systems and participation in the intelligent transportation in India.

Brothers and sisters,

Indian Scientists in France, and French Technology in India is highly respected. Many of you are representing India's scientific talent in France, and are linked to the signature projects of both countries in atomic energy, aero-space technologies and other high tech areas. Indian talent is also a partner in the project to build the world's only fusion reactor in France. It is a very important scientific project of this century. When this technology will provide immense energy for generations to come, then your contribution will also be there in that. Imagine, how proud every Indian will be!

Friends,

Your relationship with India is that of soil, while with France it is of hard work. Your successes are not only a matter of pride for France, but it also makes India proud. People of Indian origin have also performed well in French public life. Many are members of the French Parliament. When Indian talents receive honors from France, we are also filled with pride. I am also happy that you have retained your distinct 'Indianness' while successfully adopting the French customs and laws. I am told that the Ganpati Festival has become the main feature of the Parisian cultural calendar. On this day, Paris transforms into mini India. Which means, a few days from now, the echo of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ will also be heard here. My best wishes are with you. Tomorrow, it is also the holy festival of Janmashtami. I also greet all of you for this occasion.

 

 

 

Friends,

This year we are also going to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 550th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. I hope that some of you must have participated in the Gandhi Quiz also.

Brothers and sisters,

Your contribution for the development of the country is a great power for India. It is not the governments only at the root of the strong India-France relations, rather partners like you. Only you are the representatives and the voice of India in France. I am sure that you will continue to elevate this voice of India. Once again thank you very much!

Long live Mother India!!!
Jai Hind!!!

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Delhi, earlier today. The three-day Conference was held in Pusa, Delhi from 26 to 28 December, 2025.

Prime Minister observed that this conference marks another decisive step in strengthening the spirit of cooperative federalism and deepening Centre-State partnership to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister emphasised that Human Capital comprising knowledge, skills, health and capabilities is the fundamental driver of economic growth and social progress and must be developed through a coordinated Whole-of-Government approach.

The Conference included discussions around the overarching theme of ‘Human Capital for Viksit Bharat’. Highlighting India's demographic advantage, the Prime Minister stated that nearly 70 percent of the population is in the working-age group, creating a unique historical opportunity which, when combined with economic progress, can significantly accelerate India's journey towards Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister said that India has boarded the “Reform Express”, driven primarily by the strength of its young population, and empowering this demographic remains the government’s key priority. Prime Minister noted that the Conference is being held at a time when the country is witnessing next-generation reforms and moving steadily towards becoming a major global economic power.

He further observed that Viksit Bharat is synonymous with quality and excellence and urged all stakeholders to move beyond average outcomes. Emphasising quality in governance, service delivery and manufacturing, the Prime Minister stated that the label "Made in India' must become a symbol of excellence and global competitiveness.

Prime Minister emphasised the need to strengthen Aatmanirbharta, stating that India must pursue self-reliance with zero defect in products and minimal environmental impact, making the label 'Made in India' synonymous with quality and strengthen our commitment to 'Zero Effect, Zero Defect.’ He urged the Centre and States to jointly identify 100 products for domestic manufacturing to reduce import dependence and strengthen economic resilience in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister emphasised the need to map skill demand at the State and global levels to better design skill development strategies. In higher education too, he suggested that there is a need for academia and industry to work together to create high quality talent.

For livelihoods of youth, Prime Minister observed that tourism can play a huge role. He highlighted that India has a rich heritage and history with a potential to be among the top global tourist destinations. He urged the States to prepare a roadmap for creating at least one global level tourist destination and nourishing an entire tourist ecosystem.

PM Modi said that it is important to align the Indian national sports calendar with the global sports calendar. India is working to host the 2036 Olympics. India needs to prepare infrastructure and sports ecosystem at par with global standards. He observed that young kids should be identified, nurtured and trained to compete at that time. He urged the States that the next 10 years must be invested in them, only then will India get desired results in such sports events. Organising and promoting sports events and tournaments at local and district level and keeping data of players will create a vibrant sports environment.

PM Modi said that soon India would be launching the National Manufacturing Mission (NMM). Every State must give this top priority and create infrastructure to attract global companies. He further said that it included Ease of Doing Business, especially with respect to land, utilities and social infrastructure. He also called upon states to encourage manufacturing, boost ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and strengthen the services sector. In the services sector, PM Modi said that there should be greater emphasis on other areas like Healthcare, education, transport, tourism, professional services, AI, etc. to make India a Global Services Giant.

Prime Minister also emphasized that as India aspires to be the food basket of the world, we need to shift to high value agriculture, dairy, fisheries, with a focus on exports. He pointed out that the PM Dhan Dhanya Scheme has identified 100 districts with lower productivity. Similarly, in learning outcomes States must identify the lowest 100 districts and must work on addressing the issues around the low indicators.

PM also urged the States to use Gyan Bharatam Mission for digitization of manuscripts. He said that States may start a Abhiyan to digitize such manuscripts available in States. Once these manuscripts are digitized, Al can be used for synthesizing the wisdom and knowledge available.

Prime Minister noted that the Conference reflects India’s tradition of collective thinking and constructive policy dialogue, and that the Chief Secretaries Conference, institutionalised by the Government of India, has become an effective platform for collective deliberation.

Prime Minister emphasised that States should work in tandem with the discussions and decisions emerging from both the Chief Secretaries and the DGPs Conferences to strengthen governance and implementation.

Prime Minister suggested that similar conferences could be replicated at the departmental level to promote a national perspective among officers and improve governance outcomes in pursuit of Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister also said that all States and UTs must prepare capacity building plan along with the Capacity Building Commission. He said that use of Al in governance and awareness on cyber security is need of the hour. States and Centre have to put emphasis on cyber security for the security of every citizen.

Prime Minister said that the technology can provide secure and stable solutions through our entire life cycle. There is a need to utilise technology to bring about quality in governance.

In the conclusion, Prime Minister said that every State must create 10-year actionable plans based on the discussions of this Conference with 1, 2, 5 and 10 year target timelines wherein technology can be utilised for regular monitoring.

The three-day Conference emphasised on special themes which included Early Childhood Education; Schooling; Skilling; Higher Education; and Sports and Extracurricular Activities recognising their role in building a resilient, inclusive and future-ready workforce.

Discussion during the Conference

The discussions during the Conference reflected the spirit of Team India, where the Centre and States came together with a shared commitment to transform ideas into action. The deliberations emphasised the importance of ensuring time-bound implementation of agreed outcomes so that the vision of Viksit Bharat translates into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives. The sessions provided a comprehensive assessment of the current situation, key challenges and possible solutions across priority areas related to human capital development.

The Conference also facilitated focused deliberations over meals on Heritage & Manuscript Preservation and Digitisation; and Ayush for All with emphasis on integrating knowledge in primary healthcare delivery.

The deliberations also emphasised the importance of effective delivery, citizen-centric governance and outcome-oriented implementation to ensure that development initiatives translate into measurable on-ground impact. The discussions highlighted the need to strengthen institutional capacity, improve inter-departmental coordination and adopt data-driven monitoring frameworks to enhance service delivery. Focus was placed on simplifying processes, leveraging technology and ensuring last-mile reach so that benefits of development reach every citizen in a timely, transparent and inclusive manner, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The Conference featured a series of special sessions that enabled focused deliberations on cross-cutting and emerging priorities. These sessions examined policy pathways and best practices on Deregulation in States, Technology in Governance: Opportunities, Risks & Mitigation; AgriStack for Smart Supply Chain & Market Linkages; One State, One World Class Tourist Destination; Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Swadeshi; and Plans for a post-Left Wing Extremism future. The discussions highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism, replication of successful State-level initiatives and time-bound implementation to translate deliberations into measurable outcomes.

The Conference was attended by Chief Secretaries, senior officials of all States/Union Territories, domain experts and senior officers in the centre.