French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday delivered a surprise farewell message in Hindi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the Indian leader concluded the final day of his multi-city visit to France. This friendly exchange came at the conclusion of Modi’s visit to Paris, the last stop of his French tour that began in Nice before moving to Evian to attend the G7 summit and the French capital.
Macron said in Hindi:Priya Mitra Narendra, Mrs Buhut Khushi Hui Aapak Latifa, Evian Aur Paris Mein Swagat Karki. France Aur Bharat Ki Dosti Amar Rahi.(“My 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 that is true. Dear Narendra Modi, I wanted to thank you very much for your friendship. France loves you. I am very happy that you are with so many friends in Paris before leaving and returning to Delhi.”
Macron also said that he plans to visit India in February next year.
Modi in France
Modi’s visit to France was aimed at deepening the special global strategic partnership between India and France, which was elevated earlier this year.
On the last day of the visit, Modi and Macron attended VivaTech 2026 in Paris, the largest technology and startup event in Europe, where India is the country partner for artificial intelligence. The leaders toured the exhibition pavilions, interacted with innovators and entrepreneurs, and were seen exchanging warm embraces.
Modi addresses the Indian community in France
Before leaving France, Modi also addressed members of the Indian community in Paris.
“Over the last 12 years, India’s exports have increased by 35-fold. The country’s mobile phone manufacturing units have witnessed a remarkable growth of 100-fold, making India the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. With this rapid progress and development, India now stands as the fastest growing major economy,” he said.
Terming it a great honor to serve as Prime Minister for 12 consecutive years, Modi added, “It is the strength of Indian democracy that has brought the tea seller to this position. The last 12 years have been a testimony to the amazing potential of 1.4 billion Indians.”
He said India’s GDP doubled during this period, along with growth in airports, universities and highway infrastructure, while 250 million people were lifted out of poverty.
Modi praised the Indian community in France and said that the diaspora has become a mainstay of bilateral relations.
