Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community in Paris on June 18, 2026, emphasizing the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in France across diverse fields and their crucial role in connecting Indian innovation with global markets. The address highlighted the strengthening of the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership through expanded people-to-people ties, with increased numbers of Indian students, professionals, and tourists choosing France as their destination.
The Prime Minister announced the expansion of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in France, which is expected to boost tourism flows between the two countries by easing payment systems. He detailed India's transformative changes, including inclusive growth, women-led development, and advancements in human-centric AI and frontier technologies. A key achievement highlighted was the lifting of 250 million people out of poverty over the past 12 years.
Modi noted that recently concluded trade agreements with the UK and the European Union will create new opportunities for Indian workers, farmers, and innovators. India's participation in technology events Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice and VivaTech 2026 in Paris was emphasized as evidence of India becoming a technology partner of choice for the global community, with Bharat Innovates described as a model of innovation diplomacy.
Regarding international relations, the Prime Minister stated India's firm stance on creating trust-based international partnerships where the Global South is treated as an equal partner, referencing his participation in the G7 Summit in Evian. He invited the diaspora to contribute to India's progress and participate in its Viksit Bharat journey, reaffirming India's commitment to the welfare and engagement of its global diaspora community.