Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron attend a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, July 14, 2023. (AP Photo)Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bastille Day parade: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before heading to hold delegation-level talks with French president Emmanuel Macron, addressed a press meet in Paris, where he said that defence cooperation was one of the strongest pillars of Indo-French ties. “Defence ties have always been the basic foundation of our relations. This is a symbol of the deep trust between the two nations. France is an important partner in Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat…” “…We see France as a natural partner in India’s resolve towards becoming a developed nation,” Modi said after arriving at Elysee Palace in Paris this evening.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi interacted with eminent thought leaders, including Global CEO of French luxury fashion house, Chanel, Leena Nair, yoga practitioner Charlotte Chopin, and aerospace engineer and pilot Thomas Pesquet. He also attended the lunch hosted by the President of the French National Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet, following Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. At the French National Day celebrations, where the PM joined French president Emmanuel Macron, an Indian tri-services contingent participated in the Bastille Day Parade, while Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) performed a fly-past, along with French jets.
Yesterday, PM Modi arrived in Paris and held talks with French counterpart Elisabeth Born, President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher, and attended a private dinner with Macron, where PM Modi was accorded France’s highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. Upon his arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the French PM at the Orly Airport. He also addressed members of the Indian community at the iconic La Seine Musicale.
At the top of the Modi-Macron dialogue, is the potential French role in modernising India’s defence industrial base through co-development and co-production of weapons.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a press meet on Friday at the Elysee Palace in Paris, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
Here are ten important points on Indo-French ties from his speech:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday headed to hold delegation-level talks with French president Emmnue Macron, after arriving at Elysee Palace in Paris.
Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, tweeted, " PM Narendra Modi arrives at the Elysee Palace. Warmly welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders will embark on discussions on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming the long-term agreement between Indian Oil and France's Total companies to export Liquefied natural gas (LNG), said that the move "will help achieve our target of clean energy transition."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday welcomed the decision of the French government to grant long-term visas to Indian-origin students in France.
"We welcome the decision to grant long-term visas to people of Indian origin studying in France. I also invite French universities to set up their campuses in India...," Modi said.
Earlier, French president Emmanuel Macron, addressing the meet, said, "...We can't forget the youth...By 2030, we want to send 30,000 French students there (to India)...For the young Indians who want to pursue higher education in France, we want to make a conducive visa policy..."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday affirmed that India and France were together in their war against terror. Addressing a press meet, Modi said, "India and France have been together in war against terror. We believe strong action needs to be taken to end cross-border terrorism."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a press meet in Paris on Friday, stated that as resident powers of Indo-Pacific region, both India and France 'have 'a special responsibility in maintaining peace and tranquility' in the region.
'Both the countries are working on Indo-Pacific Cooperation Roadmap," Modi said.
"Covid pandemic and Ukraine crisis have affected the world. Global south countries have suffered the most. It is a matter of concern. India stands ready to contribute towards the restoration of lasting peace in the region,' said the PM, adding that they 'believe that all disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday arrives at Elysee Palace in Paris, where he addressed a press meet, along side French President Emmanuel Macron.
In his address, Modi said, "...We are celebrating 25 years of our strategic partnership. We are making a roadmap for the next 25 years on the basis of the strong foundation of the previous 25 years. Bold and ambitious goals are being set for this. People of India have taken the resolve to make ourselves a developed nation. In this journey, we see France as a natural partner..."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a press meet in Paris on Friday, said that the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour was "not my honour but the honour of 140 crore people of the country."
Congratulating the people of France for the French National day, Modi said, "...Yesterday French President Emmanuel Macron conferred me with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest award in France. It is not my honour but the honour of 140 crore people of the country."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, while addressing a press meet in Paris, called defence ties as a "symbol of deep trust" between India and France.
He said, "Defence ties have always been the basic foundation of our relations. This is a symbol of the deep trust between the two nations. France is an important partner in Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat...Be it submarines or Indian Naval ships, together we want to fulfill not just ours but also the requirements of other friendly countries..."
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, addressing a press conference at Elysee Palace in Paris, said, '...I was proud to see the Punjab Regiment here in the heart of Paris (at the Bastille Day parade). We are going ahead on the basis of a historic trust. Together we can find solutions for global crises...,' according to news agency ANI.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday received Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Elysee Palace in Paris, news agency ANI reported.
Aerospace engineer and pilot Thomas Pesquet, in an interview to news agency ANI, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "doing the right thing... taking a lot of good decisions."
"I think he (PM Modi) is doing the right thing. Like I was saying, he's taking a lot of good decisions. He's using space for his people, and that's what you should do. I think it's great. I think space does a lot for a country. I think it's hugely difficult to have a space program. To send people into space is the most difficult part of that. But I think India is going at an incredible speed towards that goal. And so, congratulations on Chandrayaan 3, and then soon we'll see Indian astronauts. So I think it's great. I think India is going to benefit from it," Pesquet told the news agency. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday, after meeting aerospace engineer and pilot Thomas Pesquet, tweeted, "When it comes to motivating youngsters towards science and space, Thomas Pesquet’s name figures prominently. It was a delight to meet him and exchange views on a wide range of subjects. His energy and insights are very valuable."
After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, global CEO of Chanel Leena Nair, called their meeting a "proud moment" for her.
"It was an absolute pleasure to meet the Prime Minister. It was a proud moment for me to talk to him. He was very encouraging about my achievements. But importantly, he was very keen that I continued to support other women and girls and be a role model for many women and girls coming out of India. So you could see his passion and commitment to support women more and more in business, in all avenues to grow and develop," Nair told news agency ANI. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with eminent thought leaders, which included, Leena Nair, the global CEO of French luxury fashion house, Chanel, Thomas Pesquet, aerospace engineer and pilot and Charlotte Chopin, a yoga practitioner, in Paris.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday interacted with fitness enthusiast Charlotte Chopin.
Taking to Twitter, Modi wrote, "In Paris, I had the opportunity to meet the remarkable Charlotte Chopin. She began practising Yoga at the age of 50. She’s going to turn hundred soon but her passion towards Yoga and fitness has only increased over the years."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday, in an interaction with global CEO of French luxury fashion house, Leena Nair, discussed "ways to further boost skill development among artisans and to make Khadi more popular."
In a tweet, Modi wrote, "It’s always a delight to meet a person of Indian origin who has made a mark at the world stage. We had a great conversation about ways to further boost skill development among artisans and to make Khadi more popular."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday interacted with eminent thought leaders, including Global CEO of French luxury fashion house, Chanel, Leena Nair, as well as fitness enthusiast Charlotte Chopin.
Squadron Leader Sushil Shinde was part of the Indian Air Force team of Rafale fighter jets that performed a flypast at the Bastille Day Parade, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, news agency PTI reported.
His 56-year-old father Shankar Shinde, a former state transport employee, watched the flypast on TV with pride and admiration, according to the report.
Sushil's family hails from Purna in Parbhani district. He is an alumnus of Sainik School Satara and dreamed of becoming a pilot, the report said.
This was not the first France outing for Sushil as he has been to the European country on a couple of occasions earlier too, in connection with the delivery of the Rafale aircraft from France to India, an IAF officer told PTI. (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his gratitude for "the warm welcome and honour received" in France, after he joined the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris as the Guest of Honour.
He wrote on Twitter, "On this historic occasion of Bastille Day, joined the parade in Paris. My heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and honour received."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday attended the lunch hosted by the President of the French National Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet, following the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, news agency PTI reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to share glimpses from the Bastille Day parade, where an Indian tri-services contingent participated, while Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) performed a fly-past, along with French jets.
He wrote, "Every Indian would be proud to see this!"
French President Emmanuel Macron, on the occasion of Bastille Day, honoured the "memory of those who fought with the French in the First World War."
He wrote on Twitter, "This 14 July, soldiers and Rafale aircraft from India are marching and flying alongside our troops. We honour the memory of those who fought with the French in the First World War. We shall never forget."
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) India on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in Bastille Day celebrations in Paris in "emblematic of the strength of India-France ties."
The official spokesperson of the MEA, Arindam Bagchi, tweeted, "India-France Celebrating 25 years of Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi & President @EmmanuelMacron witnessed the Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. On this special occasion, a tri-service Indian armed forces contingent participated in the parade. PM’s participation in the Bastille Day celebrations is emblematic of the strength of India-France ties."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with notable dignitaries, along with French president Emmanuel Macron, following which the Bastille Day parade concluded in Paris, news agency PTI reported.
Acknowledging French president Emmanuel Macron’s message where he called India “a giant in world history,” and expressed that it gave the French audience “great pleasure to welcome India as the Guest of Honor for this year’s 14th July Parade,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoped for the bond between the two nations to strengthen further.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “1.4 billion Indians will always be grateful to France for being a strong and trusted partner. May the bond deepen even further!”
Calling India “a giant in world history,” French President Emmanuel Macron Friday tweeted, “It gives us great pleasure to welcome India as the Guest of Honor for this year’s 14th July Parade,” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined him for French National Day celebrations in Paris.
France is celebrating its national holiday Friday with whizzing warplanes and a grand Bastille Day parade in Paris — and with more than 100,000 police deployed around the country to prevent a new outbreak of unrest in underprivileged neighbourhoods.
This year, the annual events celebrating the start of the French Revolution on July 14, 1789 come in the wake of the nation’s most serious rioting in nearly 20 years, following the fatal police shooting of a teen with North African roots that laid bare anger over entrenched inequality and racial discrimination.
Bracing for more violence around Bastille Day, when unrest tends to spike every year, France deployed 130,000 police Thursday and Friday. Fireworks were banned in several towns, including Nanterre, after they had been used to target police in the recent rioting. Overnight Thursday to Friday, the Interior Ministry reported 97 people arrested in urban violence and 218 cars set alight around the country. That was slightly lower than last year. (AP)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on an official visit to France, was presented with several gifts with historical and cultural linkages by French President Emmanuel Macron during a private dinner yesterday.
? A framed facsimile of the photograph 'A Parisian presenting flowers to a Sikh', July 14, 1916: PM Modi was presented with the photo which pays tribute to the Indian soldiers who fought in Europe alongside France during World War-I (1914-1918). The photo depicts a passer-by giving flowers to a Sikh officer from the Indian Expeditionary Force (IEF) deployed in France and was taken on the Champs-Elysees during the military parade of July 14, 1916, by a photo reporter from the Meurisse news agency. The original copy of the photo is still located at the National Library of France.
? Reproduction of the Charlemagne chessmen (11th century): PM Modi was also presented with the reproduced version of 'Charlemagne' chessmen, which represents the Indian origins of the game of chess and the long history of trade between India and Europe. This unique item represents both the long history of trade between India and Europe, with the elephant piece recalling the Indian origins of the game of chess, and the expertise of French companies in terms of innovation and new technologies.
? Marcel Proust, Le temps retrouve (Time Regained), Pleiade and English edition of A la recherche du temps perdu (In Search of Lost Time): PM Modi was also presented with some famous and historic works of French literature. A la recherche du temps perdu (In Search of Lost Time) is a series of novels by Marcel Proust (1871-1922) published between 1913 and 1927 and recognized as one of the most important works of French literature of the early 20th century. Le temps retrouve (Time Regained) is its seventh and final volume, which was published posthumously. (ANI)
According to a press release by the Ministry of Defence:
'The Indian Army contingent comprising of 77 marching personnel and 38 members of the Band is being led by Captain Aman Jagtap. Indian Navy contingent is being led by Commander Vrat Baghel and the Indian Air Force contingent is by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy. The Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force will also form part of the flypast during the parade.'
'The Army contingent is being represented by the Punjab Regiment which is one of the oldest Regiments of the Indian Army. The troops of the Regiment have participated in both the World Wars as well as the post-independence operations.'
Army band plays 'Sare Jahan Se Achha' and PM Modi salutes as Indian regiment marches through Paris' famed Champs-Élysées avenue.
This year the Bastille Day Parade will have about 6,300 soldiers in various marching contingents. This includes a tri-services contingent of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The Indian Army is represented by the Punjab Regiment. The troops of the Regiment have participated in both World Wars, having been awarded 18 Battle and Theatre Honours in the first war.
The Punjab Regiment participated in an offensive near Neuve Chapelle in France in September 1915 during World War One. The regiment also won 16 Battle Honours and 14 Theatre Honours in the Second World War. (ANI)
France is celebrating its national holiday Friday with whizzing warplanes and a grand Bastille Day parade in Paris.
A 269-member Indian tri-services contingent is participating in the parade. Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will also join the flypast on the occasion along with French jets.
The national day of France is celebrated on July 14, also known as Bastille Day or Fête Nationale Française, and is marked by a long military parade, along with dancing and other merriment.
While July 14 is more popularly associated with the storming of the Bastille in 1789, it is also the anniversary of Fête de la Fédération, an event held in 1790 to celebrate the unity of the French people. Also, while Bastille Day is often seen as the symbol of the end of monarchy, kings and queens continued in France till long after that. Yashee explains its modern-day significance.
After he inspected the parade, President Emmanuel Macron has stepped onto the dias and greeted PM Narendra Modi. Macron's wife, France's First Lady Brigette Macron, is seen standing next to them, along with other dignitaries.
French President Emmanuel Macron is meeting with military leaders and the inspecting the troopers, officers and infantry units of the French army as a part of Bastille Day celebrations.
It's around 10.21 am on July 14, Friday, in Paris.
Here are a few snapshots from the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris' Champs-Elysées.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has joined French President Emmanuel Macron for the French National Day in Paris as the Guest of Honour today. An Indian tri-services contingent will be part of the Bastille Day Parade, while Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a fly-past on the occasion.
Watch live here.
Here's how PM Modi's first day in Paris unfolded.
Indian Tri-services contingent will be participating in this year's Bastille Day Parade in France's Paris on July 14. The regiment will be part of the 269-member tri-services contingent of the Indian Armed. Forces who would march alongside their French counterparts on the National Day of France.
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in France for a 2-day diplomatic visit, he is set to attend the European nation’s Bastille Day parade as its guest of honour. An Indian tri-services contingent will be part of the annual celebration, which marks France’s national day, while Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a fly-past on the occasion.
On Thursday, the PM was conferred with the highest honour of nation, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron. He is set to hold key bilateral talks with Macron, which will likely lead to some key defence agreements, including on the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M (the marine version) fighters for the Indian Navy.
Here’s a look what has happened on PM Modi’s visit so far, and what to expect today. (Read more)
Before PM Modi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had attended Bastille Day celebrations in 2009.
According to a French government website, “In 2009, Indian soldiers were invited to take part in the ceremonies and the military parade was opened by a contingent of 400 members of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.” PM Manmohan Singh and French President Nicolas Sarkozy watched this parade. (Read more)
Bastille Day can be said to have set in motion the decade-long French Revolution, which fundamentally altered French political and social life and influenced the foundational ideas of democracy across the world, popularising slogans such as “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity). This was the day on which ordinary people stormed Bastille, a 14th century fortress-prison in Paris that was used to incarcerate political prisoners (the famous writer philosopher Voltaire and the infamous Marquis de Sade had both been kept at the Bastille at various times).
Before the storming of the Bastille, both economic and social tensions had been building up in Paris for long. In the 1780s, the French economy was in dire straits, and King and Queen Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were not helping matters with their image of irresponsible, profligate spenders. Crop failure and famine dealt further blows, and by 1788, even bread became unaffordable for a vast majority of people.
Under pressure, Louis XVI summoned the Estates-General, a body that had been around for almost 400 years by then, but could be summoned, heard, or ignored at the King’s will. This body consisted of the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate) and the commoners (Third Estate). When called by Louis XVI, the body was dominated by the commoners in numbers, but not in influence. After their calls for greater say for commoners were ignored, one faction broke away and established a new body, called the National Assembly.
On June 20, 1789, this body took the Tennis Court Oath, that they would stay together till they wrote a new Constitution for France. Louis XVI, meanwhile, started moving more troops into Paris, adding to the uncertainty and tensions in the city. On July 11, he dismissed Jacques Necker, his popular and only non-high-born minister. Protests broke out, soon turning violent.Then on July 14, a huge, armed mob began marching towards Bastille. Read our explainer here.
In this week's Rajamandala, Prof C Raja Mohan discusses Prime Minister Modi's efforts to strengthen the Indo-French relationship, which encompass recognizing India's World War contributions, engaging strategically, and finalizing the Rafale deal.
The visit to France highlights India's emphasis on European security, the convergence of theaters, and the crucial role of France as a strategic partner.
Observing that the world is moving towards a “new world order”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India’s capability and the country’s role is changing fast, and India, besides being the “mother of democracy”, is a “model of diversity”.
Interacting with members of the Indian community in Paris, Modi announced that an agreement has been reached for use of India’s Unified Payments Interface — or UPI — in France.
Modi also said France has decided to grant long-term five-year visas for students pursuing a masters degree in France. (Read more)
? 1.30 pm IST: PM Modi will witness the Bastille Day Parade and also meet with Indian Contingent along with President Macron.
? 4.30 pm IST: PM Modi will attend the lunch hosted by President of National Assembly Braun-Pivet.
? 6.15 pm IST: PM Modi will meet various thought leaders
? 8.30 pm IST: PM Modi will attend the ceremonial reception at Élysée Palace, which will be followed by delegation level talks and press statement.
? 10.30 pm IST: PM Modi will participate in India-France CEO Forum.
? 12 am IST (Sat): PM Modi will visit Louvre Museum where he will also attend a Banquet dinner. This will be followed by PM Modi and President Macron viewing fireworks display at Eiffel Tower.
The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour given by France is another in a series of top international awards and honours bestowed by various countries on Prime Minister Modi.
These include Order of the Nile by Egypt in June 2023, Companion of the Order of Logohu by Papua New Guinea in May 2023, Companion of the Order of Fiji in May 2023, Ebakl Award by the Republic of Palau in May 2023, Order of the Druk Gyalpo by Bhutan in 2021, Legion of Merit by the US Government in 2020, King Hamad Order of the Renaissance by Bahrain in 2019, Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin by Maldives in 2019.
Modi received the Order of St. Andrew Award from Russia in 2019, and the Order of Zayed Award from the UAE in 2019. He also received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award in 2018, the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan from Afghanistan in 2016 and the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud from Saudia Arabia in 2016. (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the Guest of Honour at France’s Bastille Day parade in Paris on Friday. The visit coincides with 25 years of the oldest among India’s almost 30 strategic partnerships around the world — and one of the few that has been marked by “total convergence” ever since the two nations committed themselves to it in 1998.
Four French Presidents and three Indian Prime Ministers have nurtured this relationship over the last quarter century. Manmohan Singh was the chief guest at the 2009 parade, which opened with Indian tri-services personnel marching to Saare Jahan Se Achha and Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja. Nicolas Sarkozy was President at the time.
This time, as the tri-services contingent marches down the Champs-Élysées, three French Rafale fighter aircraft recently inducted into the Indian Air Force will perform a flypast. (Read more)
When former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh participated at the Bastille Day Parade in 2009, the strategic partnership between India and France, which began in 1998, revolved largely around education, health, defence, space, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. This partnership has expanded since then to cover cooperation in cyber security, counter-terrorism, climate issues and renewables. As the 25th year of the India-France Strategic Partnership approaches, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bastille Day visit adds to the significance of the India-France relationship.
It is expected that this meeting will set the tone for the next 25 years. But a deeper, more collaborative partnership can only be established if the focus is on the defining challenge of our times — climate change. (Read more)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on day 1 of his French visit, highlighted the growing presence of foreign players in India, and he went on to emphasize France national football team captain, Kylian Mbappe's rising popularity among Indian fans.
"French football player Kylian Mbappe is superhit among the youth in India. Mbappe is probably known to more people in India than in France," said PM Modi said while addressing the Indian community at La Seine Musicale in Paris.
Mbappe has become one of the most popular football players following his domination in the French League and on the international level. His World Cup hat trick against Argentina in the World Cup 2022 final further boosted his popularity throughout the world. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the highest honour of France, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron, an official statement said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today thanked French President Emmanuel Macron and France's first lady Brigitte Macron for hosting him at the Elysee Palace.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Paris Thursday (July 13) on a two-day visit, during which he will hold wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and attend the French National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. The national day of France is celebrated on July 14, also known as Bastille Day or Fête nationale française, and is marked by a long military parade, along with dancing and other merriment.
While July 14 is more popularly associated with the storming of the Bastille in 1789, it is also the anniversary of Fête de la Fédération, an event held in 1790 to celebrate the unity of the French people. Also, while Bastille Day is often seen as the symbol of the end of monarchy, kings and queens continued in France till long after that. So what exactly is the French national day the anniversary of, and why was the storming of the Bastille so significant? (Read more)
Narendra Modi’s visit to France as the guest of honour for the July 14 Bastille Day celebrations is reminiscent of the 2020 Namaste Trump tour to India. As the populist president was visiting India, the violence simultaneously taking place in Northeast Delhi resulted in at least 53 deaths. Ahead of Modi’s visit, Paris, its suburbs and many other cities in the country were shaken by riots that were sparked by the brutal killing of a 17-year-old, Nahel M, by a police officer, following a traffic stop.
I live 300 metres from where Nahel was killed on June 27. Our neighbourhood is located at the intersection of the business district of La Défense (where the richest companies in the country have their headquarters) and residential areas (dominated by housing projects characterised by dire urban poverty). The alleged murder thus took place at the precise geographical intersection of the two poles of our capitalist societies: One end is fueled by the limitless appropriation of capital and the other is where people are condemned to dead-end jobs, if not to “hustling” for survival. (Read more)
PM Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France's highest award. France President Emmanuel Macron gave the award at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
Observing that the world is moving towards a “new world order”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India’s capability and the country’s role is changing fast, and India, besides being the “mother of democracy”, is a “model of diversity”.
Interacting with members of the Indian community in Paris, Modi announced that an agreement has been reached for use of India’s Unified Payments Interface — or UPI — in France.
Modi also said France has decided to grant long-term five-year visas for students pursuing a masters degree in France.
“I will go after signing the agreement. It is your responsibility to carry it forward,” Modi told the cheering audience. “It (UPI) will be started from the Eiffel Tower. Now Indian tourists would be able to make payments in Rupees, through UPI, at the Eiffel Tower.”
Highlighting India’s changing role in the global order, Modi said: “Today, the world is moving towards a new world order. The capability and the role of India is changing fast. At this time, India is the president of G20. It’s for the first time, in a country’s presidency, that more than 200 meetings are being held across the nation.” Read Full Report
Describing THE bilateral relations between India and France as “strong, trusted and consistent”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the two countries are now at a “turning point” as they complete 25 years of strategic partnership, and looked forward to working on a roadmap for the next 25 years of the strategic partnership.
Underlining that the India-France relationship is in “excellent shape”, Modi, who arrived in Paris on Thursday afternoon, said it “has been steady and resilient in the darkest storms”.
“As far as 25 years of the strategic partnership is concerned, I feel we are now at a India-France ties strong, look forward to roadmap for next 25 years: PM turning point. If we look at the post-pandemic global order and the shape that it is taking, I think the positive experience of our strategic partnership is an important step ahead. So, we look forward to working on a roadmap for the next 25 years of the strategic partnership, which I think is very important for the relationship. The relationship is in excellent shape. It is strong, trusted, consistent. It has been steady and resilient in the darkest storms,” he said in an interview to French newspaper Les Echos. Read Full Report
An agreement has been reached for using India's UPI transactions in France. It will start from Eiffel Tower, added Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The PM also said that the people-to-people connection is strengthening the India-France partnership, PTI reports