Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed with a red-carpet reception upon his arrival in Paris for a two-day visit. He was received by French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne at the airport. The visit holds great significance as Prime Minister Modi is set to engage in extensive discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, fostering bilateral ties between India and France. Adding to the honor, Prime Minister Modi has been invited as the Guest of Honour to participate in the French National Day celebrations.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter upon his arrival, stating, "Landed in Paris. Looking forward to boosting India-France cooperation during this visit. My various programs today include an interaction with the Indian community later in the evening."
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As a testament to the strong relationship between the two nations, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne personally received Prime Minister Modi at the airport. A grand ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour were accorded to him, signifying the significance of the visit.
The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, tweeted about the prime minister's intensive schedule in Paris, which includes participation in the Bastille Day celebrations and a series of engagements with the French leadership, the Indian diaspora, CEOs, and notable personalities. The visit aims to further strengthen cooperation between India and France across various domains.
Upon his arrival at the hotel in Paris, Prime Minister Modi engaged with children and members of the Indian diaspora. The enthusiastic Indian community, eagerly awaiting his arrival, chanted 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' as they greeted the prime minister. In response, Modi expressed his gratitude, saying, "A warm welcome by the Indian diaspora in Paris! Across the world, our diaspora has made a mark for themselves and are admired for their diligence and hardworking nature."
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Before departing for France, Prime Minister Modi expressed his confidence that the visit would provide a renewed impetus to the bilateral strategic partnership. Strengthening defense ties between India and France is expected to be a key focus of discussions with President Macron. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the longstanding and time-tested partnership between the two countries, expressing his anticipation for comprehensive discussions on deepening this partnership over the next 25 years. He also highlighted the collaborative efforts on regional and global issues.
In a significant highlight, Prime Minister Modi's visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership. This milestone marks a relationship rooted in deep trust and commitment, allowing the two nations to collaborate closely across various domains, including defense, space, civil nuclear, blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Modi and President Macron have had the opportunity to meet several times, with their most recent encounter taking place in Hiroshima, Japan during the G-7 Summit in May 2023. Modi expressed his eagerness to engage with the French leadership, including Elisabeth Borne, Prime Minister of France, Gerard Larcher, President of the Senate, and Yael Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly.
In addition to official engagements, Prime Minister Modi will also meet with the vibrant Indian community residing in France, along with leading CEOs from both countries and prominent French personalities. This visit signifies the commitment to strengthening ties between India and France, as well as the shared vision for a prosperous future.
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After concluding his visit to Paris, Prime Minister Modi will proceed to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for an official visit on July 15,
