During his visit to Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a remarkable accolade as he was conferred with France’s highest honor, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. The prestigious award was presented to him by French President Emmanuel Macron in a grand ceremony held at the esteemed Elysee Palace. The gesture not only symbolized the close partnership between India and France but also demonstrated the deep respect and admiration that France holds for Prime Minister Modi.
Prime Minister Modi’s arrival in Paris was greeted with a red-carpet welcome, signifying the warmth and significance of his visit. He embarked on a two-day trip, during which he had the privilege of attending the French National Day celebrations on Friday as the esteemed Guest of Honour alongside President Macron.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, took to social media to share photographs from the award ceremony, describing the event as a warm gesture that embodies the spirit of partnership between the two nations. The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour is recognized as the highest award in France, and it serves as a testament to Prime Minister Modi’s remarkable leadership and contributions.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of India, the Prime Minister personally thanked President Macron for bestowing this singular honor upon him. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement acknowledging the significance of the award and the strength it adds to the bilateral relationship between India and France.
Amidst the official ceremonies, Prime Minister Modi also had the opportunity to engage in informal discussions and strengthen personal bonds with President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron. The French President and the First Lady hosted a private dinner for Prime Minister Modi at the prestigious Elysee Palace, creating an environment of warmth and camaraderie.
Beyond the ceremonial aspects, Prime Minister Modi took the opportunity to address the Indian diaspora in France, where he delivered a passionate and inspiring speech. Among the key highlights of his address was the announcement of an agreement to implement the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France, opening up new avenues for Indian innovation in the domain of cashless instant payment. This development not only expands the reach of Indian technologies but also strengthens the economic ties between the two nations.
Moreover, Prime Minister Modi revealed plans to establish a new Indian consulate in Marseille, a significant step to enhance diplomatic presence and facilitate better engagement between the two countries. Additionally, he shared the uplifting news that Indian students pursuing their master’s degrees in France would now be eligible for five-year-long post-study work visas, providing them with greater opportunities to contribute to both nations’ growth and development.
Highlighting the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France, Prime Minister Modi commended the unwavering support extended by France and the deep-rooted strength of their bilateral ties. He emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections as a cornerstone of the India-France partnership, encouraging the Indian diaspora to invest in India. Recognizing India’s growing attractiveness as an investment destination, Prime Minister Modi cited the recognition by global experts and the country’s rapid progress in various spheres.
The visit of Prime Minister Modi to France, marked by the conferral of France’s highest honor and the strengthening of diplomatic ties, underscores the mutual respect, shared values, and the commitment of both nations to deepening their collaboration across various sectors.
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