At Paris event, PM Modi says India emerging as world's 'trusted partner'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India is emerging as a 'trusted partner' for the world, as he addressed the Indian diaspora in Paris. Speaking at the Salle Playel, one of the largest indoor venues in the French capital, Modi emphasised that trust has become as important as trade in international relations.

'There was a time when relations between countries were determined solely by trade, but today, trust has become just as important alongside trade,' Modi told the gathering. He argued that every country seeks reliable supply chains and stable partnerships, and that India is positioning itself as such a partner.

Modi highlighted the contributions of the Indian diaspora, citing World War II British Indian spy Noor Inayat Khan, who died for the French Resistance, and General Jean-François Allard, who served in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's army. He described them as symbols of shared Indo-French heritage.

The Prime Minister also pointed to India's space achievements, including the Chandrayaan mission, as examples of the country's aspirations. 'The world recognised this as a significant achievement, but India did not stop there. Today, the country is preparing for Gaganyaan and moving forward towards building its own space station,' he said.

Amid cheers, Modi welcomed the expansion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France, which he said would boost tourism between the two countries. On trade, he noted progress on the UK Free Trade Agreement, set to be enforced from next month, and ongoing talks with the European Union that could open new opportunities for Indian workers, farmers, and innovators.

Modi said that at the G7 meeting in Evian, he emphasised 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 stated.

The Prime Minister described the current period as one of uncertainty and disruption, but said the partnership between France and India has become a strong pillar of trust, stability, and cooperation. He noted that the two countries have elevated their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership and are launching the TRISHNA satellite next year to contribute to water and food security.

Modi arrived in France on the day his government completed 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 claimed that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last 12 years, and that India's youth are dreaming big, farmers are exploring new possibilities, and women are demonstrating new leadership.