French President Emmanuel Macron gave Prime Minister Narendra Modi a warm farewell in Hindi on Thursday as the Indian leader concluded his multi-city visit to France. The exchange took place at the end of Modi’s visit to Paris, the final stop of his France tour, which began in Nice before moving to Evian for the G7 Summit and then the French capital.
Macron said in Hindi, “Priya mitra Narendra, mujhe bohot khushi hui aapk Nice, Evian aur Paris mein swagat karke. France aur Bharat ki dosti amar rahe.” (“Dear friend Narendra, I was very happy to welcome you to Nice, Evian and Paris. Long live the friendship between France and India”).
The French President then switched to English and added, “I hope it was correct. My dear Narendra Modi, I wanted to thank you so much for your friendship. France loves you. I am so happy you are with so many friends in Paris before leaving and going back to Delhi.” Macron also said he planned to visit India in February next year.
#WATCH | French President Emmanuel Macron speaks in Hindi as he bids farewell to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the conclusion of his visit to France
(Source: Elysee Palace via XP Division, MEA) pic.twitter.com/af3dgAiQFV
— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2026
Modi’s Visit Focused on Strategic Partnership
PM Modi’s visit to France was aimed at strengthening the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership, which was elevated earlier this year. On the final day of the visit, Modi and Macron attended VivaTech 2026 in Paris, Europe’s largest technology and start-up event, where India was the AI Country Partner.
The two leaders toured exhibition pavilions, met innovators and entrepreneurs, and were seen sharing a warm embrace.
PM Modi Addresses Indian Community in Paris
Before leaving France, Modi also addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Paris and highlighted India’s economic progress over the past 12 years.
“Over the past 12 years, India’s exports have increased 35-fold. The country’s mobile manufacturing units have experienced a remarkable 100-fold growth, making India the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer. Fuelled by this rapid progress and development, India now stands as the fastest-growing major economy,” he said.
Highlights India’s Growth Story
Calling it a privilege to have served as Prime Minister for 12 consecutive years, Modi said, “It is the power of India’s democracy that has brought a tea seller to this position. The last 12 years have been a testament to the incredible potential of 1.4 billion Indians.”
He added that India’s GDP had doubled during this period, while the country had also seen significant growth in airports, universities and highway infrastructure. According to Modi, 250 million people had been lifted out of poverty.
Indian Diaspora Praised for Strengthening Ties
Modi also praised the Indian community in France, saying that the diaspora had become an important pillar of the relationship between the two countries.
The visit concluded with both leaders reaffirming the strong friendship and growing cooperation between India and France across strategic, economic and technological sectors.
First published on: Jun 19, 2026 06:57 AM IST
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