PM Modi departs from Paris after 'productive' France visit, boosted bilateral global strategic partnership
Paris, June 19
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for New Delhi after concluding his successful and 'productive' visit to Paris, marking the third leg of his two-nation visit to France and Slovakia, where he participated in multiple summits and held bilateral meetings with several world leaders.
This successful visit by Prime Minister Modi "added fresh momentum to the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership and reinforced the shared commitment to advancing cooperation across key sectors," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday in a statement.
Taking to his official X account, MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said: "Merci France! PM @narendramodi wrapped up a productive visit to France, marked by wide-ranging engagements. The visit added fresh momentum to the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership and reinforced the shared commitment to advancing cooperation across key sectors."
PM Modi arrived in France's Nice on Saturday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to inaugurate 'Bharat Innovates' event, followed by Evian for G7 Summit and then in Paris for addressing the VivaTech 2026 and a large Indian community programme as well as met CEOs of France's top business leaders.
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the India-France friendship will become even stronger in the times to come as he concludes his visit to France.
"This visit to France has been extensive when it comes to engagement and outcomes. It began in Nice, where the Bharat Innovates programme was held, followed by Evian for G7 and then in Paris, where I addressed VivaTech 2026 and a large community programme, as well as met CEOs," the Prime Minister wrote on X.
"I am especially grateful to my friend President Macron, the Government and the people of France for the warmth. The India-France friendship will become even stronger in the times to come," he added.
Prime Minister Modi addressed a huge gathering of the Indian community in Paris earlier on Thursday.
The Prime Minister arrived in Paris earlier on Thursday and addressed the VivaTech 2026, one of Europe's largest technology and innovation conferences.
Members of the Indian diaspora in Paris expressed immense joy and emotion after meeting Prime Minister Modi after he arrived in Paris. Many described the occasion as a "proud and memorable moment", saying that his presence made them feel connected to their homeland despite being thousands of miles away.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday recorded a special farewell video message in Hindi for the Indian leader as he was wrapping up another fruitful trip to France.
"Dear friend Narendra, I am very happy that you are in Nice, Evian, or Paris. I am very happy to welcome you here. The friendship between India and France is immortal," Macron said in Hindi.
He then switched to English and reflected on his friendship with PM Modi.
"I hope it was correct, but my dear Narendra, dear Prime Minister, I wanted to thank you so much for your friendship... France loves you... I am so happy you are here with so many friends before going back to Delhi. I will come to visit you next February, but you are my true friend... We love you. Take care," the French President concluded.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Wonderful to see Indian innovation getting global recognition at VivaTech 2026. But I hope this partnership translates into more job opportunities for our youth back home, not just big deals at the top level. Let's see actual implementation now.
France is a reliable strategic partner – always stood with us on Kashmir, counter-terrorism, and defence cooperation. This visit deepens that trust immensely. The Rafale deal was just the beginning of a long friendship. Aur bhi partnership aane wali hai! ✈️🤝
I was among the diaspora who met him in Paris! The energy was incredible. Modi ji shook hands with so many of us personally. It felt like a piece of India had come to Europe. Proud to be Indian today. ❤️🇮🇳
As an observer from the US, it's interesting to see how Modi uses personal diplomacy so effectively. Macron's Hindi message was a nice touch. But I wonder if these summits actually deliver on climate goals and trade – talk is cheap, results matter.
Love how Macron ji called our PM "true friend" – that's the new India for you: confident, respected, and building bridges globally. But I hope the government also focuses on grassroots innovation in smaller towns, not just the VivaTech types. Balanced growth is key!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.