According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the relationship between France and India is “unbreakable” and is anchored in history. It also encompasses the most cutting-edge industries, like space and digital, and the two nations are working together to overcome 21st-century issues.
In addition, Modi praised India as the “mother of democracy” and a “model of diversity,” suggesting that this diversity was the foundation of India’s strength. He also described the country’s internal transformation and acknowledged the Indian diaspora’s contribution to enhancing Indian capabilities and strengthening India’s presence around the world.
Hours after landing in France, Modi addressed a crowd of locals at La Seine Musicale in Paris and said, amid cries of Bharat mata ki Jai, that he felt like he had returned home. Three topics dominated his speech: the bilateral relationship; India’s internal tale; and the diaspora’s function.
“I have visited France several times, but this visit is unique. The French national holiday is tomorrow. I applaud the French people and appreciate their invitation on this momentous occasion. PM Elisabeth Borne met me at the airport today, and tomorrow, President Macron and I will march in the national day parade together. This is a reflection of the unshakable relationship between India and France, not only an indication of a link between the two presidents, Modi remarked.
There is no better way to commemorate the 25 years of the bilateral strategic cooperation, he said, than with the participation of men and women from every branch of the Indian armed forces in the march. The Punjab Regiment, one of the regiments that sent troops at the time, would take part in the march on Friday, Modi added, recalling how, during his visit in 2015, he had paid respect to the Indian soldiers who had lost their lives to protect France during the First World War.
Moving on to the present, Modi emphasised the extensive cooperation between France and India in the areas of clean energy, sustainable transportation, and the circular economy. He also declared that the two nations have reached an agreement regarding the use of India’s unified payment interface (UPI) in France, starting at the Eiffel Tower.
Modi also discussed diversity and democracy in India. India is a good example of diversity and the motherland of democracy. This is one of our greatest strengths. He gave India as an example of linguistic diversity, noting that it had more than 100 languages and more than 1000 dialects, and that 32,000 newspapers were published daily in these languages. Additionally, India had more than 900 news channels and 400 radio stations that broadcast in these languages. Additionally, he discussed India’s economic growth from the tenth to the fifth biggest economy in the world, the advancement of woman empowerment and other social indices, and the distance that had been traversed in the fight against severe poverty. “The world’s development indicators improve as India advances.”
Modi also praised the diaspora for serving as brand ambassadors for India, staying connected to their country, and fostering Indo-French relations. He also informed the gathering that the diaspora had broken a record by sending more than $100 billion in remittances to India.
