Gandhinagar — In a significant diplomatic engagement, French Ambassador to India Dr. Thierry Mathu made a courtesy call on Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. The meeting underscored the warm relations between France and India, with CM Patel emphasizing India’s trajectory towards becoming a global ally under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

A major highlight of the discussion was Gujarat's eagerness to harness France's expertise in organizing the Olympic Games for the 2036 Olympics, set to be hosted in Gujarat. CM Patel expressed interest in utilizing France’s knowledge in building infrastructure and other facilities essential for the Olympics. He also highlighted the desire to ensure that the infrastructure benefits Gujarat long after the Games conclude.

Dr. Mathu shared France’s enthusiasm for strengthening ties with Gujarat, particularly in renewable energy, ports, and sports sectors. He noted the presence of a French delegation at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024, where two French industry groups have announced investments. Dr. Mathu also mentioned his visits to the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad and discussed the potential of starting an educational campus in GIFT City in collaboration with Mahatma Gandhi International School.

CM Patel elaborated on the facilities and developments within GIFT City, India’s first International Financial Services Centre, highlighting opportunities in emerging sectors such as Fintech, IT & ITES, and Artificial Intelligence. The discussions extended to potential partnerships in the National Maritime Heritage Museum and renewable energy projects.

Patel assured the French Ambassador of the state government’s support in land allocation for renewable energy production and other developmental projects. Key officials, including Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Pankaj Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary of Industries Department S.J. Haider, Secretary to the Chief Minister Avantika Singh, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) A.B. Panchal, Vice President and Managing Director of Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) Rajkumar Beniwal, and Managing Director of Industrial Extension Bureau (Indext-B) Gaurang Makwana, were present at the meeting.