Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Paris on Monday, June 18, 2026 [1].
The visit serves as a strategic effort to strengthen cultural and economic ties between India and France while leveraging the influence of the Indian community abroad.
During his speech, Modi said the Indian diaspora reflects India's core values [2]. He said the community acts as a bridge between the two nations, mirroring the development and cultural heritage of India within France [2]. This engagement is part of a broader diplomatic effort to highlight India's growth on the global stage [3].
Modi also focused on the growing partnership between India and France [1]. He said the bilateral relationship is deepening across multiple sectors, including economic cooperation and strategic diplomacy [3]. The event was marked by a warm welcome from the diaspora, signaling strong community support for the current administration's international outreach [1].
The Prime Minister's arrival in Paris included scheduled meetings with French leadership, including President Emmanuel Macron [1]. These discussions aim to solidify the partnership and explore new avenues for cooperation between the two governments [1].
By addressing the diaspora, Modi sought to align the community's efforts with India's national interests [2]. He said the diaspora is a vital asset in projecting India's image and values to the rest of the world [3].
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Paris”
This engagement underscores India's strategy of using its global diaspora as a tool for soft power and diplomatic leverage. By strengthening ties with the Indian community in France, the Modi administration aims to secure more robust economic and strategic cooperation with a key European partner.
