PM Modi at Paris diaspora event: India seen as trusted global partner amid geopolitical uncertainty

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian diaspora at the VivaTech conference in Paris on Thursday, said India has emerged as a trusted global partner at a time when the world faces uncertainty and disruptions. He emphasised that trust, alongside business, now defines international relations.

“There was a time when relations between nations were defined by business. Today, along with business, trust has become as important. Every nation wants a reliable supply chain, stable partnership… every nation is looking for a partner in whom trust can be reposed for the long term. And in this era, India is emerging as a trusted partner in the world,” Modi said.

Referring to the partnership between India and France, he added: “Today, the world is going through an era of uncertainty and disruptions. In such a time, India and France’s partnership is becoming a strong pillar of trust, stability and cooperation.”

Modi highlighted India’s economic growth over the past 12 years, citing a doubling of GDP, airports, and universities, a three-fold increase in highway construction speed, and a four-fold expansion of the metro network. He said exports had increased 35 times, and mobile phone manufacturing units had grown 100 times, making India the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. “This speed and progress have resulted in India becoming the world’s fastest growing major economy,” he said.

The Prime Minister also noted that during the G7 Summit in Evian, he had stressed the need for trust-based partnerships, urging that the Global South be treated as equal partners. “India’s message at the Summit was that global governance will only be effective when it is inclusive; global growth will only be sustainable when it is shared; and global technology will only be beneficial for mankind when it is trusted,” he said.

Modi said India’s trade with France was increasing, and India had signed free trade agreements with several nations, including the European Union and the United Kingdom. “New energy is visible in business relations between India and the rest of the world,” he added.

He outlined areas of cooperation with France: “From defence to space and nuclear, AI and critical minerals to high-speed railways, we will move forward together in every field. Whether it is solar energy or cooperation in the field of AI, India and France, together, are developing solutions which are for the benefit of all mankind.”

Modi also announced that the two countries would launch the Trishna satellite next year, which he said would contribute to global food and water security. He acknowledged the role of the Indian diaspora in these government-to-government initiatives.