India Emerging as a ‘Trusted Partner’ to the World, Says PM Modi in Paris

By Mahima Katal

Paris, June 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India is emerging as a "trusted partner" on the global stage, emphasising that the country is investing in sectors that will drive growth, innovation, and opportunities for future generations.

Addressing the Indian diaspora at Salle Pleyel in Paris, one of the French capital's largest indoor venues, Modi described the present period as a defining phase in India's development journey, marked by rising aspirations and a focus on shaping the future.

“Earlier, relations between nations were driven primarily by trade. Today, trust has become equally important,” Modi said. “Countries are looking for reliable supply chains and stable long-term partnerships. At such a time, India is emerging as a trusted partner for the world.”

Calling upon the Indian community in France to deepen its engagement with India, Modi said their participation would strengthen India's growth while offering them an opportunity to contribute to the land of their ancestors.

Highlighting the historical links between India and France, the Prime Minister referred to Indian-origin World War II heroine Noor Inayat Khan and French General Jean-François Allard, who served in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's army, as symbols of the shared heritage between the two nations.

Modi said India's achievements in space exploration reflected the country's growing ambitions. Referring to the Chandrayaan mission, he noted that India had not stopped after its success and is now preparing for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the development of its own space station.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the growing acceptance of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France, saying it would strengthen tourism and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

He highlighted recent measures aimed at boosting mobility and cooperation, including the opening of a new Indian Consulate in Marseille, visa-free airport transit facilities for Indian nationals, mutual recognition of educational qualifications, and the expansion of French university campuses in India.

On economic cooperation, Modi pointed to the implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement from next month and ongoing negotiations between India and the European Union. He said these developments would create new opportunities for Indian workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

Referring to his participation at the G7 Summit in Evian, Modi said India had advocated for inclusive global governance, shared economic growth, and trustworthy technology.

“The world is passing through a period of uncertainty and disruption,” he said. “In such times, the India-France partnership has emerged as a pillar of trust, stability, and cooperation.”

He noted that India and France have elevated their ties to a Special Global Strategic

Partnership and are jointly developing the TRISHNA satellite, scheduled for launch next year, which is expected to contribute to global water and food security efforts.

Modi also reflected on completing 12 years in office as Prime Minister, describing it as a testament to the strength of Indian democracy.

“Serving the nation continuously for 12 years as the elected Prime Minister has been the greatest fortune of my life. This is the power of India's democracy, which brought a tea seller to this position,” he said.

The Prime Minister said India had witnessed transformative growth across sectors over the past decade and that the country's progress extended beyond economic development to social empowerment. He claimed that 250 million people had been lifted out of poverty during the period.

“India's youth are dreaming bigger than ever before. Farmers are embracing new opportunities, and women are demonstrating new leadership,” he said.

Looking ahead, Modi said future generations would view the present era as one driven by India's aspirations and ambition.

“Today's India is building the ecosystem of the future. We are investing in every sector that will shape the direction of the coming decades,” he said.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by enthusiastic members of the Indian community, who greeted him with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and banners carrying the message “Bonjour Modi”.