Prime Minister addressed a large gathering of the Indian community in Paris on 18 June 2026. On arrival at the venue, Prime Minister was given a warm and colorful welcome, reflecting the deep affection of the diaspora for the motherland.
In his address, Prime Minister highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian community across diverse fields in France. He also acknowledged their key role in connecting Indian innovation and ideas with global markets and in furthering the India–France Special Global Strategic Partnership. He noted that people-to-people ties between India and France have expanded with greater number of Indian students, professionals and tourists making France their destination. He expressed appreciation for the steps taken to ease mobility of people. Speaking about expanding footprint of UPI in France, he noted that this would give a boost to tourism flows between the two countries.
Prime Minister spoke about the transformative changes happening in India, from inclusive growth and women-led development to progress in the fields of human-centric AI and frontier technologies. He highlighted that in the last 12 years, India has lifted 250 million out of poverty. He noted that the trade agreements concluded with UK and the EU will open up new opportunities for Indian workers, farmers, innovators and others. Alluding to India’s participation in Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice and VivaTech 2026 in Paris, he underlined that India was becoming a partner of choice in the field of technology for the global community. Speaking of the success of Bharat Innovates, he noted that the platform is a model of innovation diplomacy. Elaborating on his participation in the G7 Summit in Evian, he stated that India firmly stands for creating trust based international partnerships, where the Global South is treated as an equal partner. Prime Minister noted that India’s talent, skill and innovation were helping the world come up with solutions to challenges in the digital age. He invited the diaspora to contribute towards India’s progress and become a partner in its Viksit Bharat journey.
The interaction reflected the deep people-to-people ties that exist between India and France, and reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the welfare, well-being, and engagement of its diaspora across the world.
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In the last 12 years, India has witnessed transformative growth across sectors. pic.twitter.com/xNqrf2sMDA
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 18, 2026
Beyond economic growth, India's journey is about empowering people and transforming lives. pic.twitter.com/eC2dxDTcfM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 18, 2026
This is a defining period in India's journey, where aspirations are reaching new heights pic.twitter.com/zgCvkutax0
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 18, 2026
India is investing across sectors that will drive growth, innovation and opportunity for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/bM4pTf2VED
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 18, 2026
India is emerging as a trusted partner to the world. pic.twitter.com/STnp3ngaDN
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 18, 2026
