Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Marseille in southern France early this morning.
Akashvani correspondent reports, the Indian community in Marseille gave the Prime Minister a warm and enthusiastic welcome upon his arrival.
Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate India’s first new Consulate in Marseille, and will participate in other key events today.
The Prime Minister said, in a social media post, this visit will witness important programmes to further connect India and France. He said, the Indian consulate will deepen people-to-people linkages.
Mr. Modi also informed that he will pay homage to the Indian soldiers martyred in the First and Second World Wars today.
The two leaders will also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a multinational initiative aimed at harnessing nuclear energy for global benefit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the 14th India-France CEOs Forum in Paris last evening, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening business ties and fostering innovation.
The forum brought together top industry leaders from both countries, focusing on key sectors like Defence, Aerospace, Artificial Intelligence, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Development.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s growing attractiveness as a global investment hub, emphasizing its stable policies and recent economic reforms.
He spoke about opening up the insurance sector to 100 per cent FDI, allowing private participation in civil nuclear energy, and simplifying tax structures to enhance ease of doing business.
He also pointed out how regulatory reforms are making India’s economic governance more trust-based and efficient.
The Prime Minister invited French companies to explore new investment opportunities in sectors like defence, energy, aviation, space, fintech, and healthcare.
The Prime said, this is the right time for businesses to come to India as the country works towards the goal of becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 while providing a robust business-friendly environment and policy continuity.
He stressed India’s leadership in emerging technologies such as AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and hydrogen energy, urging stronger Indo-French collaboration for mutual growth.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also addressed the forum, emphasising the importance of a global, inclusive approach to AI and innovation. He spoke about strengthening India-France and India-EU cooperation in key areas, diversifying production, and building resilient supply chains.
He also highlighted new opportunities in clean energy, infrastructure, and defence manufacturing, highlighting the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Akashvani correspondent reports that the forum reaffirmed the strong economic partnership between India and France, paving the way for deeper cooperation in business, technology, and sustainable development.
