Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Indian diaspora in Paris, reaffirming India's rising geopolitical weight and its emergence as a trusted partner in a time of global uncertainty. Speaking at Salle Playel, one of Paris's largest indoor venues, PM Modi stressed that trust now matters as much as trade in international relations.
Trust as a Pillar of Global Diplomacy
PM Modi contextualized the shifting dynamics of global diplomacy, stating, 'There was a time when relations between countries were determined solely by trade, but today, trust has become just as important alongside trade.' He added, 'Every country wants a reliable supply chain. Every country wants a stable partnership. Every country is in search of such partners on whom trust can be placed for the long term, and at such a time, India is emerging as a trusted partner in the world.'
12 Years of Governance and Transformation
The Prime Minister noted that his visit to France coincides with his government completing 12 years in office. 'Serving the nation continuously for 12 years as the elected Prime Minister has been a great fortune of my life. This is the strength of India's democracy, which has brought a tea seller to this position,' he said. He highlighted transformative growth across sectors, emphasizing that India's journey is not only about economic progress but also about social change and empowering people. He announced that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the past 12 years.
India's Ecosystem of the Future
PM Modi outlined a vision for India's future, stating, 'Today's India and its youth are dreaming very big dreams. India's farmers are moving forward with new possibilities. India's women are demonstrating new leadership.' He added, 'Fifty or a hundred years from today, when this era is reviewed, it will emerge that this era was driven by India's aspirations. 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.'
India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership
Referring to the G7 Summit in Evian, PM Modi underlined the importance of partnerships based on trust. 'Bharat's message to the G7 Summit was clear: global governance will only be effective when it is inclusive; global growth will be sustainable when it is shared; and technology will truly benefit humanity when it is trusted,' he said. He emphasized that the partnership between France and India has become a strong pillar of trust, stability, and cooperation, elevated to the level of a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
TRISHNA Satellite Mission
As a tangible example of this cooperation, PM Modi announced that India and France will launch the TRISHNA satellite next year. 'This satellite will contribute to ensuring water and food security in the world,' he said.
Diaspora Welcome
Earlier, PM Modi was welcomed with the message 'Bonjour Modi' and chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. In his address, he presented India as a country built on trust, highlighted its partnership with France, and said the country is moving through a period of economic and social transformation driven by rising aspirations.
