French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday delivered a surprise farewell message in Hindi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Indian leader wrapped up the final day of his multi-city visit to France. The warm exchange came at the end of Modi’s visit to Paris, the last stop of a France tour that began in Nice before moving to Evian for the G7 summit and 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.
Modi in France
Modi’s France visit was aimed at deepening 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 is the AI Country Partner. The leaders toured exhibition pavilions, interacted with innovators and entrepreneurs, and were seen sharing a warm embrace.
Modi addresses Indian diaspora in France
Before departing France, Modi also addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Paris.
“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.
Calling it a privilege to have served as PM for 12 consecutive years, Modi added, “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 said India’s GDP had doubled during the period, alongside growth in airports, universities and highway infrastructure, while 250 million people had been lifted out of poverty.
Praising the Indian community in France, Modi said the diaspora had become a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.
