Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community in Paris on June 18, 2026, highlighting India's economic progress and strengthened India-France relations. He stated that over the past 12 years, India's GDP has doubled, defense exports increased by 35 times, and the number of mobile manufacturing units grew by 100 times, making India the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and fastest-growing major economy.
The address detailed significant social transformation with 250 million people lifted out of poverty and more permanent houses built for those in need than the total number of homes in France. Digital infrastructure achievements include 1.25 billion Aadhaar IDs, nearly 900 million Unique Digital Health IDs, and high-speed internet reaching every village.
Modi announced the expansion of UPI usage in France for instant payments and confirmed the India-UK trade agreement will come into effect next month, creating new opportunities for farmers, workers, and innovators. He highlighted the Special Global Strategic Partnership with France, covering defense, space, nuclear energy, AI, critical minerals, and high-speed rail cooperation.
The TRISHNA satellite is scheduled for joint launch next year to contribute to global food and water security. Modi cited the Bharat Innovates event in Nice where 120 deep-tech startups participated and 1,400 B2B meetings were held, creating new collaboration opportunities.
Infrastructure milestones include doubled number of airports and universities, threefold increase in highway construction pace, and fourfold expansion of metro network. India is making significant investments in green hydrogen and advancing work on the Fast Breeder Nuclear Reactor.