Mera Saansad
Search Search
Tamil language

The India–France partnership knows no boundaries: PM Modi at the Joint Press Meet with French President Emmanuel Macron

Published By : Admin | February 17, 2026 | 16:00 IST

Your Excellency, My Dear Friend, President Macron,

Delegates from both countries,

Friends from the media,

Namaskar!

Bonjour!

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome my dear friend, President Macron, to Mumbai. Last year, he invited me to France for the AI Action Summit.

At that time, we visited Marseille — France’s largest port and a major gateway for France and all of Europe. Marseille is the city where, during the First World War, Indian soldiers first set foot in Europe. Their bravery is still remembered across many parts of Europe.

It is also the city where freedom fighter Veer Savarkar leapt into the sea to escape British captivity. That act symbolized his unwavering resolve for India’s independence. Last year in Marseille, I had the opportunity to pay tribute to him.

This time, as President Macron visits India for the AI Impact Summit, it is our privilege to welcome him in Mumbai — India’s own gateway.

Friends,

India and France share a very special relationship. France is among India’s oldest strategic partners. Together with President Macron, we have infused unprecedented depth and energy into this partnership. Based on this trust and shared vision, today we are elevating our ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.

This partnership is not only strategic. In today’s turbulent times, it is a partnership for global stability and global progress.

Friends,

The inauguration of the helicopter assembly line in India today is another shining example of this deep trust. We take pride in the fact that India and France will jointly manufacture the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest — and export it worldwide.

Indeed, the India–France partnership knows no boundaries. It can reach from the deepest oceans to the tallest mountains.

Friends,

The year 2026 marks a turning point in India–Europe relations. Just days ago, we signed the largest and most ambitious Free Trade Agreement in India’s history with the European Union. This agreement will also bring unprecedented momentum to India–France relations.

To promote mutual investment, today we are signing an agreement to avoid double taxation for our people and companies. These initiatives will energize trade, investment, and mobility — charting a roadmap for shared prosperity.

Friends,

With the launch of the India–France Year of Innovation, we are transforming our strategic partnership into a partnership of the people. Innovation does not happen in isolation; it thrives through collaboration.

Our goal in the Year of Innovation is to strengthen people-to-people connections. Whether in defense, clean energy, space, or emerging technologies, we will connect our industries and innovators. We will build strong networks between start-ups and MSMEs, facilitate exchanges among students and researchers, and establish new joint innovation centers.

Friends,

Today we are also enhancing cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. We are launching the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and the National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics. These are not merely institutions — they are platforms for building the future.

Friends,

The world is passing through a period of uncertainty. In such times, the India–France partnership is a force for global stability. We are combining France’s expertise with India’s scale. We are developing trusted technologies. Through the International Solar Alliance, the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and joint development projects, we are ensuring human development. Through multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy, we will continue to strengthen efforts for stability and prosperity.

Friends,

India and France both believe in democratic values, the rule of law, and a multipolar world. We are united in our conviction that reforming global institutions is essential to address global challenges.

Whether in Ukraine, West Asia, or the Indo-Pacific, we will support all efforts for peace. Eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains our shared commitment.

Friends,

India and France are both ancient and rich civilizations. We attach great importance to cultural and people-to-people ties. We are delighted to have collaborated in the Yuge Yugin Bharat Museum. Now, at the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, we will also work together with France.

To bring Indian culture closer to the people of France, we will soon open the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in France.

Your Excellency,

Your deep commitment to the India–France partnership has always been evident. I am especially pleased that today we are together inaugurating a new chapter in our relations.

Let us work together for global stability and prosperity.

Thank you very much.

Merci beaucoup.

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya

பிரபலமான பேச்சுகள்

Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya
View All
PM Modi Bows To ‘Jana Shakti’ As BJP Forms First-Ever Government In West Bengal

Media Coverage

PM Modi Bows To ‘Jana Shakti’ As BJP Forms First-Ever Government In West Bengal
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
PM Modi addresses a mega public meeting in Bengaluru, Karnataka
May 10, 2026
Today, a saffron sun has risen from the land of Bengaluru, says PM Modi on witnessing the massive crowd at the Bengaluru rally
PM Modi says women in Karnataka and across the country will never forgive Congress for obstructing greater political participation of women
People repeatedly bring BJP governments back because they trust our governance and development agenda: PM Modi in Bengaluru
NDA forming the government in Assam for the third consecutive time, the BJP receiving such a massive blessing in Bengal for the first time: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed a massive public meeting in Bengaluru, Karnataka and hailed the BJP’s growing support across southern India, asserting that the people of the country are choosing ‘stability, speed and solutions’ over instability and scams. He said that today, a saffron sun has risen from the land of Bengaluru.

Addressing party karyakartas and supporters, PM Modi said, “As a BJP karyakarta myself, I know that only BJP workers can gather in such large numbers, in such an organized manner, this early in the morning. I am deeply grateful to all of you for coming here in such huge numbers.”

Recalling the historic significance of May 10, PM Modi said the day marked the beginning of the First War of Independence in 1857, which later transformed into a nationwide movement against colonial rule.

The PM said that inspired by this spirit, the nation had recently marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. He also informed the gathering that he would be visiting Somnath in Gujarat tomorrow to participate in the celebrations marking 75 years of the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple.

Calling Karnataka a major pillar of BJP’s southern expansion, PM Modi highlighted the NDA’s electoral successes in multiple states and Union Territories. “Puducherry has voted for an NDA government for the second consecutive time, Assam has chosen NDA for the third straight term, BJP has received historic blessings in Bengal, and in Gujarat, BJP has broken all previous records in panchayat and civic polls,” he added.

“These results carry a very strong message, in a world surrounded by instability, the people of India are giving the mantra of stability. The people are saying they want speed, not scams; solutions, not excuses; and politics driven by national interest,” he said.

“When BJP was not as big a party as it is today, Karnataka gave BJP tremendous strength. Today, NDA is in power in Andhra Pradesh, BJP is number one in Karnataka in terms of Lok Sabha representation, BJP is the second-largest force in Telangana, NDA has formed government again in Puducherry and BJP has also opened its account in Tamil Nadu,” he said. Referring to Kerala, the PM expressed confidence about the BJP-NDA’s future prospects in the state.

“There was a time when BJP had only three MLAs in Bengal and today we have a government there with over 200 MLAs. In Kerala too, we have moved from one to three MLAs. The day is not far when BJP-NDA will cross the majority mark there as well,” he remarked.

Launching a sharp attack on the Congress party, PM Modi contrasted BJP’s ‘pro-incumbency’ with what he termed Congress’ growing anti-incumbency. “We have been in power at the Centre for 12 years and BJP-NDA governments are serving in more than 21 states. People repeatedly bring BJP governments back because they trust our governance and development agenda,” he said.

The Prime Minister alleged that Congress governments fail to retain public confidence because of poor governance and internal conflicts. “Congress has no chapter on governance in its political book. In Karnataka, instead of solving people’s problems, the government spends most of its time resolving internal fights. In Himachal Pradesh, government employees are struggling to receive salaries and in Telangana, farmers are being pushed towards distress,” he said.

Accusing Congress of betraying women on the issue of women’s reservation, PM Modi iterated, “For decades, Congress misled the women of this country. BJP ended that politics and enacted the law for 33 percent reservation for women. But Congress remains the biggest anti-women party and opposed the Nari Shakti Vandan legislation.”

He asserted that women in Karnataka and across the country would never forgive Congress for obstructing greater political participation of women.

Referring to Tamil Nadu politics, the PM said Congress had repeatedly depended on its allies for survival but later turned against them for political gains. “Look at Tamil Nadu. For nearly 25-30 years, Congress had a close relationship with the DMK. Time and again, the alliance with DMK rescued Congress from political crises and strengthened it at the Centre. But a power-hungry Congress stabbed DMK in the back at the first available opportunity,” he said.

“The world is facing multiple crises today. The continuing instability in West Asia has impacted the entire world, and India too is affected. At such a time, we must strengthen our sense of restraint and responsibility. We must make every effort to reduce unnecessary expenditure of foreign exchange and protect national resources,” PM Modi said.

Drawing parallels with the collective response during the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi called upon citizens to stand united once again in the national interest.