Paris, February 12 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation to French companies to become a part of India’s growth story, emphasizing the unlimited opportunities available in the country. Addressing the 14th India-France CEO Forum in Paris, Modi urged French businesses to invest in India, stating that "this is the right time to enter the Indian market."

French President Emmanuel Macron was also present at the forum, which focused on strengthening bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships between the two nations. Modi highlighted that India, with its stable political environment and predictable policy framework, has emerged as a preferred global investment destination.

The Prime Minister pointed to India’s booming aviation sector as an example of expanding economic opportunities. He cited major aircraft orders placed by Indian companies and plans to open 120 new airports, underscoring the vast potential for investment in infrastructure and related industries.

Inviting French businesses to collaborate with India, Modi said that when French expertise meets Indian capability, when India’s speed aligns with France’s precision, and when France’s technology merges with India’s talent, the impact will extend beyond trade and drive a global transformation.

Modi also highlighted India’s position as a key center for diversification and risk reduction, supported by the new economic reforms introduced in the recent Union Budget. He emphasized that India and France share more than just democratic values, as their partnership is built on deep trust, innovation, and a commitment to global welfare.

Reiterating India’s long-term vision, Modi referred to the ‘2047 Roadmap’, which was developed during his previous visit to France. He noted that both countries are now engaged in comprehensive collaborations across various sectors, including aerospace, ports, defense, electronics, dairy, chemicals, and consumer goods.

Discussing India’s rapid economic transformation, Modi stated that over the past decade, India has created a strong business-friendly environment through stable policies and reforms. As a result, India is now the world’s fifth-largest economy and the fastest-growing major economy. He expressed confidence that India will soon become the world’s third-largest economy, driven by its skilled workforce, innovation ecosystem, and growing influence on the global stage.

In a social media post on X, Modi highlighted the importance of the India-France CEO Forum in strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation. He expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts of business leaders in unlocking new opportunities, boosting investment, and ensuring a prosperous future for the next generation.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the forum brought together CEOs from diverse industries on both sides. Discussions focused on key sectors such as defense, aerospace, critical and emerging technologies, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences, wellness and lifestyle, and food and hospitality.

The event was also attended by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Éric Lombard, and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

The India-France CEO Forum reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to expanding economic engagement and creating new avenues for collaboration, reinforcing the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two global powers.

Paris, February 11 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed India as the host for the next AI Summit, reaffirming the country’s commitment to global collaboration in artificial intelligence. Modi made this offer while co-chairing the AI Action Summit in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.

During his closing remarks, Modi highlighted that discussions at the summit had revealed a strong alignment of perspectives and objectives among all stakeholders. Stressing the global nature of AI partnerships, he emphasized that India would be honored to host the next AI Summit to further the momentum generated by the current discussions.

The AI Action Summit, hosted by France, is the first global initiative aimed at fostering responsible AI development and international cooperation. Modi welcomed the summit’s decision to establish the ‘AI Foundation’ and the ‘Sustainable AI Council’, acknowledging these as crucial steps toward shaping AI governance.

He extended congratulations to President Macron and France for spearheading these initiatives and assured India’s full support. Modi further emphasized the need for AI partnerships to be truly global, advocating for a more inclusive approach that prioritizes the concerns, priorities, and needs of the ‘Global South’.

The ‘Global South’ refers to developing and underdeveloped nations, primarily located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Modi stressed that AI policies and governance frameworks must account for the unique challenges and aspirations of these regions to ensure equitable access to AI-driven advancements.

New Delhi [India], June 10:  HH Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, a well-known spiritual leader and the Founder of the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, received the prestigious Bharat Gaurav Award at the Senate in Paris, France, on the 5th of June, 2024.

The prestigious accolade, the highest international recognition for individuals of Indian descent, was conferred by Dr. Dominique Théophile, Vice President of Senate, and M. Frédéric Buval, Senator of France. Among the esteemed recipients were Pandit Suresh Mishra Ji, Mahant Shri Nareshpuriji Maharaj, and the dedicated team of Sanskriti Yuva, recognized for their remarkable contributions. Additionally, the ceremony honored over 18 distinguished leaders and members from various countries, underscoring their significant achievements and global impact.

Guruji expressed his deep thanks to the political leaders of Paris and the Sanskriti Yuva organization for their recognition and support. He spoke about the importance of continuing to spread the teachings of Sanatan Dharma and building strong cultural connections worldwide.

Rajrajeshwar ji received this honor for his remarkable contributions to promoting Hindu culture and his dedicated service to society, both in the UK and globally. The Siddhashram Shakti Centres, located in the UK, Mauritius, United States, and India have become important places for spiritual and cultural activities, under Guruji’s guidance.

These centers are open to everyone, offering a space for prayers, learning about healthy living, and participating in spiritual practices and cultural activities such as yoga and Satsang. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Shivratri are celebrated on a large scale, helping the Indian community in the UK stay connected to their cultural roots.

Rajrajeshwar ji had dedicated his life to spiritual pursuits from a young age when he received his first Gurudiksha at 14 from Sadgurudev Paramhans Swami Nikhileshwaranandji. Since then, he continuously worked to deepen his spiritual practices and teachings.

Guruji is also very active in charity work. He organizes charity programs, bhajans, and cultural events to raise awareness and support for various causes. His efforts in animal welfare (Gau Raksha) and his role as the President of Akhil Bhartiya Sadhu Samiti in Valsad, Gujarat, show his dedication to community service. He holds the title of ‘RajRajeshwar,’ awarded by Shree Kshetra Tapobhoomi Gurupeeth, Goa – India, for his outstanding contributions.

In a nutshell, Guruji’s charitable programs and support for various organizations advances his mission of spreading spiritual awareness and helping those in need.

If you have any objection to this press release content, kindly contact pr.error.rectification@gmail.com to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 24 hours.

Starburg, (France), 10 June (HS): France President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the Parliament for snap polls. The surprise move came following the far right winning the European Elections.

The first round of elections for the lower house of the National Assembly will be held on June 30 and the second round on July 7, Macron announced. Following a loss in the European union polls, Belgium Prime Minister Alexander Diku resigned.

The EU elections were held between June 6 and 9 with a participation of about 400 million voters. Heavy polling was experienced in the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Estonia, Lithuania, Sweden, etc.

European union is an organisation that directly deals with several member agencies and in consultation with the members frames rules for human welfare, climatic changes, refugee policy, and other issues of international interests. The membership is in proportion to the population. The elections are held every five years. Elections are held in the member nations as per their respective rules and systems.

The EU elections shocked ruling parties in several countries including France and Germany.

Paris, March 1st: The highly anticipated 2024 Olympic Village in Paris is officially complete and ready to receive athletes. French President Emmanuel Macron himself visited the village on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the preparations for the upcoming Games.

Sustainable Living after the Games: Spanning 52 hectares, the village will house around 14,500 athletes and their staff during the Olympics and 9,000 for the Paralympics. However, its legacy extends beyond the Games. Following the competitions, the village will be transformed into a thriving, eco-friendly neighborhood boasting 2,800 apartments, schools, shops, offices, and public green spaces.

A Commitment to Sustainability: Built with environmental responsibility in mind, the village utilizes various sustainable practices. Low-carbon concrete, timber structures, and renewable geothermal heating are employed to significantly reduce the project's carbon footprint. Additionally, a water-processing plant will recycle water used to care for the village's extensive greenery.

Legacy Beyond the Games: Organizers anticipate that over 6,000 residents will call the village home after the Games. A third of the apartments will be designated for private ownership, another third for public housing, and the remaining available for rent.

A Symbol of Collaboration: The completion of the Olympic Village represents the culmination of seven years of collaborative effort. Following Paris's successful bid for the Games, the symbolic key to the village was officially handed over from Solideo, the company responsible for Olympic infrastructure, to Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet. With just four months left until the first athletes arrive, the village stands as a testament to Paris's readiness to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Jaipur, Jan 25 (IANS) French President Emmanuel Macron, the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations in the national capital, will land in Jaipur on Thursday. He will be received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and both will take a tour of a few of heritage sites.

The leaders will visit tourist places like Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. Sources said that Modi-Macron might also hold a roadshow in Jaipur. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

On January 26, the President of France will attend the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest. He will be the sixth President from France to be the chief guest of the Republic Day Parade.

In March 2018 Macron was on a state visit to India. Apart from this, in September 2023 also the French President was in Delhi for the G20 Summit. This time during the bilateral meeting between Modi and Macron, apart from Israel-Hamas war, there can be discussions on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, defence partnership and EU trade deal between the two countries.

Since 1976, India has invited the President of France for Republic Day five times. Prime Minister Modi participated in the Bastille Day Parade of France as the chief guest on July 14, 2023. He was the second Indian Prime Minister to participate in this parade. Before Modi, Manmohan Singh had participated in the Bastille Day Parade.

Ahmedabad : The human trafficking saga involving a plane full of Indian passengers, returned from France due to suspected illegal immigration, has taken a dramatic turn with shocking revelations from 21 Gujarati passengers grilled by the CID Crime Branch.

As per the news agency report, these individuals, hailing from Mehsana, Patan, and Gandhinagar, painted a picture of desperation and deception, outlining a web of high-priced promises and perilous shortcuts to the American dream. Their stories expose a multi-million-rupee racket, with individual deals for illegal entry into the US reaching astronomical sums between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 1.25 crore.

Significantly, the interrogations revealed that France's intervention stemmed from anxieties about potential human trafficking. Landing the plane and returning all passengers, including those from Gujarat, was a stark measure taken to curb suspected criminal activity.

The passengers confessed to entering into negotiations with agents, agreeing to pay the hefty sums upon reaching America instead of upfront. This system of delayed payment ensured that both passengers and agents bore the risk of failure, highlighting the precarious nature of such illegal ventures.

Furthermore, their plan involved exploiting Nicaragua as a backdoor entry point to the US. All 21 individuals from Gujarat had traveled to Dubai before finally boarding the ill-fated flight to Nicaragua. The plane, carrying a total of 303 passengers, was grounded in France before their American aspirations could materialize.

Adding another layer of complexity, 50 passengers, including some from Gujarat, requested asylum in France after the grounding. This unexpected request put French authorities in a bind, and they are currently deliberating on the asylum applications.

Meanwhile, the remaining passengers, including the 21 individuals from Gujarat, were eventually flown back to Mumbai. Their testimonies offer a glimpse into the dark underbelly of human trafficking and the desperation driving individuals to risk everything for a perceived better life. The exorbitant sums promised and the perilous journeys undertaken underscore the dangers of falling prey to such unscrupulous schemes.

As the investigation continues, the revelations from these 21 passengers highlight the urgent need to dismantle these illegal networks and offer safe, legal channels for migration. Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the human cost associated with the pursuit of the American dream through illegal means.

Mumbai, Dec 26 (IANS) A chartered aircraft bound for Nicaragua with more than 275 passengers, mostly Indians -- which was detained for four days in France over suspected ‘human trafficking’ -- landed in Mumbai early on Tuesday, officials said here.

The flight, operated by a private Romanian group, was detained at Vatry Airport, a minor international airport around 150 kms from Paris, for four days, sparking an international diplomatic spat.

The service, originating in Fujairah, UAE and bound for Sandino Airport at Managua in Nicaragua, was detained and grounded on Thursday at Vatry Airport following some anonymous tips hinting at supposed human trafficking.

The French Police and legal authorities initiated a probe and placed two passengers under custody for alleged involvement in an illegal immigration racket.

Later, around 25 fliers, including two minors, said they wanted asylum in France and remained there, and earlier this week the passengers were in the process of being investigated by a judicial team from Paris.

On Monday, the two detenus were set free, and the Airbus A-340, charter flight LZ-1215 of the three-year-old Legend Airlines, Bucharate, Romania, was also cleared for take-off.

The drama started on Thursday when the flight with 303 passengers, including 11 minors, mostly Indians, made a technical halt at Vatry Airport where it was provided basic emergency services.

Amid the suspicions of an illicit immigration racket, the French authorities set up an investigation, the crew was questioned and two passengers were detained for nearly two days before release, the Indian Mission officials were also in regular touch with the passengers, as per local French media.

After the French Police and judicial authorities completed their investigations, the flight was permitted to take off around 2.30 p.m. (local time) from Vatry Airport and landed in Mumbai after 4 a.m. (IST).

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) After a Nicaragua-bound plane carrying 303 Indian passengers was grounded in France over suspected "human trafficking", the Indian Embassy in France said its team has obtained consular access and was looking into the situation.

The remarks from the Indian Embassy in France came after reports suggested that the Nicaragua-bound plane from Dubai was detained at a French airport.

In a post on X, Indian Embassy in France said: "French authorities informed us of a plane with 303 people, mostly of Indian origin, from Dubai to Nicaragua detained on a technical halt at a French airport."

"Embassy team has reached and obtained consular access. We are investigating the situation, also ensuring wellbeing of passengers," the Indian Embassy said.

According to reports, the aircraft carrying passengers likely to be victims of human trafficking was detained on Thursday after an anonymous tip-off.

The reports said that the plane had taken off from the United Arab Emirates and it remained grounded on the tarmac at Vatry airport following its landing.

New Delhi, July 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France's highest award, by French President Emmanuel Macron.

He is the first Indian Prime Minister to receive the honour.

The award ceremony took place at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Thursday night.

"Thank President @EmmanuelMacron and Mrs. Macron for hosting me at the Elysee Palace this evening," Modi tweeted after his meeting with the French President.

The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour is the highest French honour in military or civilian orders.

In the past, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor has been received by select prominent leaders and eminent personalities from across the world.

These include late South African President Nelson Mandela, King Charles III, former Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, former UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and many others.

New Delhi, July 14 (IANS) Indian students pursuing a Master's degree in France will now be given a five-year long-term post-study visa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced.

Modi, who is on an official visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, made the announcement during his address to the Indian community at LA Seine Musicale in Paris on Thursday.

"The last time I came to France, it was decided that Indian students studying in France would be given a two-year post-study work visa. Now, it has been decided that Indian students pursuing Masters in France will be given a long-term post-study visa of five years," he  said.

During his address, the Prime Minister also highlighted the contribution of the Indian community in France, who form a strong foundation of the India-France partnership.

Approximately 65,000 immigrants from India currently reside in France.

Around 2.7 million students enroll for French higher education, 14 per cent of whom are foreign students, according to a French embassy data.

France is especially popular for its management programmes with over 70 per cent of Indian students enrolled in them.

According to the latest official data collected post-Covid, there were around 6,000 Indian students in France in the 2021-2022 academic year.

France plans to invite 20,000 Indian students in the country by the year 2025, Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said last year.

While calling the plan “very ambitious", Colonna said: “We want 20,000 Indian students in France by 2025. We're starting from something close to 5,000. It is very ambitious but, between India and France, the sky's the limit."