PM Modi's France Visit Takes Bilateral Ties To New Heights: Assocham

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris, which followed his successful trip to the USA, has elevated the India-France relationship to a new level of strategic partnership, said Deepak Sood, the Secretary General of Assocham.

“The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour bestowed upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a matter of pride for all Indians as we see our nation march on the global landscape from strength to strength,” Sood added.

 Given India's distinction as the world's fastest-growing economy, the developed world views it as a highly significant strategic partner, PM Modi's inclusion in the Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysees, alongside a tri-service Indian armed forces contingent, signifies the strategic trust and friendship shared between India and France, as stated by him. 

The agreement between India and France regarding the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) positions the Indian digital initiative on the global stage, establishing the Indian Rupee as a preferred international currency. “It is a great feeling to be doing digital transactions in France in the Indian rupee,” he added.

According to Sood, the new Indian consulate in Marseille will serve as a significant catalyst for fostering stronger people-to-people connections between India and France. Both nations continue to enhance their collaboration in key strategic domains such as defence, nuclear energy, trade, technology transfer and climate change.