Daijiworld Media Network – Paris
Paris, Jun 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India is emerging as a "trusted partner" for the world at a time when countries are looking for reliable and stable long-term partnerships, asserting that the nation is investing across sectors that will shape the future and drive growth for generations.
Addressing the Indian diaspora at Salle Pleyel in Paris, PM Modi said trust has become as important as trade in global relations and that India is increasingly being seen as a dependable partner on the world stage.
"There was a time when relations between countries were determined solely by trade, but today, trust has become just as important alongside trade. Every country wants a reliable supply chain and a stable partnership. At such a time, India is emerging as a trusted partner in the world," he said.
The Prime Minister described the present period as a defining phase in India's development journey, marked by rising aspirations and transformative growth across sectors.
"Today's India is building the entire ecosystem of the future. India is investing in every sector that will shape the direction of the coming decades," he said.
Calling upon the Indian community in France to deepen its engagement with the country, Modi said such involvement would strengthen India's growth trajectory while offering an opportunity to contribute to the land of their ancestors.
Highlighting India's achievements, he cited the Chandrayaan mission as a reflection of the country's growing ambitions and said India is now preparing for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the establishment of its own space station.
The Prime Minister also noted the expanding use of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France, saying it would further strengthen people-to-people ties and boost tourism between the two countries.
Referring to recent developments in bilateral relations, Modi mentioned the opening of the Indian Consulate in Marseille, visa-free airport transit facilities for Indian nationals in France, greater mobility for students and professionals, and increasing academic cooperation between the two countries.
He said India and France continue to strengthen their Special Global Strategic Partnership and announced that the two nations are set to launch the TRISHNA satellite next year, which will contribute to global water and food security.
Speaking about India's progress over the past 12 years, Modi said the country has witnessed transformational growth not only in economic terms but also in social development.
"Today's story of India is not just the story of economic progress. It is also the story of social transformation," he said, adding that nearly 25 crore people had been lifted out of poverty during this period.
The Prime Minister said India's youth, farmers and women are playing a key role in driving the country's progress and creating new opportunities.
He also referred to his participation in the G7 Summit, stating that India had stressed the importance of inclusive global governance, shared growth and trusted technology.
"The world's future will be shaped by partnerships based on trust," he said.
PM Modi was greeted with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Bonjour Modi" by members of the Indian diaspora gathered at the venue.