Football connects India and France: PM Modi
Paris, June 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that football is another strong bond that connects India and France, adding that the passion for the sport is visible in both countries.
Addressing members of the Indian diaspora in Paris during the final leg of his visit to France and Slovakia, PM Modi extended his best wishes to the French national team, which began its World Cup campaign with a resounding victory.
PM Modi noted that football fever was at its peak in France, with the craze visible in every corner of the country.
He said India was also experiencing a surge in enthusiasm for the sport, with large numbers of fans of the French team across the nation.
He emphasised that this shared passion for football added a cultural dimension to the India-France relationship, which this year was elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
The Prime Minister said that at a time when the world was experiencing uncertainty and disruption, the partnership between India and France had become a strong pillar of trust, stability and cooperation.
He underlined that elevating ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership reflected the depth of mutual confidence and the shared vision for global progress.
PM Modi's remarks were part of his broader outreach to the diaspora, during which he highlighted the importance of people‑to‑people connections in strengthening bilateral relations.
He said the Indian community in France had played a vital role in building bridges between the two countries and in nurturing the partnership for the 21st century.
Members of the Indian diaspora in Paris expressed immense joy and emotion after meeting PM Modi, describing the occasion as proud and memorable. They said his presence made them feel connected to their homeland, even though they were thousands of miles away.
Taking to his official social media platform X, PM Modi wrote: "Reached Paris a short while ago to a warm welcome by the Indian diaspora. I am proud of their efforts in bringing India and France closer. The India-France partnership is vital for the progress of our planet."
Earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed VivaTech 2026, one of Europe's largest technology and innovation conferences.
He also attended the G7 Summit in Evian and held bilateral meetings with several world leaders.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's refreshing to see a leader talk about sports diplomacy. Football is growing rapidly in India thanks to ISL and grassroots programs. France has one of the best academies in the world. Maybe we can learn from their system too! 🙌
While football is a nice gesture, let's not pretend it's a major bond. Cricket still dominates India. But if this helps improve trade, tech ties and our strategic partnership, then why not? Practical cooperation matters more than World Cup banter.
As an Indian living abroad, I can confirm that football is huge in Europe. PM Modi's mention of the French team winning their World Cup opener shows he keeps track. The diaspora event in Paris must have been electric! 🎉
PM Modi is right about football bridging cultures. My entire colony in Mumbai was cheering for France in the last World Cup. Shared passion for sports creates real people-to-people connections beyond formal diplomacy. Well said, sir!
Interesting that Modi mentioned football when many Indians still struggle with basic infrastructure for the sport. But if this inspires more investment in football at the grassroots level, it's a win-win. Let's hope the government walks the talk on sports development.
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