Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of high-level meetings with leading French business executives in Paris on Thursday, discussing investment opportunities, expansion plans, and strengthening economic cooperation between India and France.
The discussions covered key sectors including shipping and logistics, railways, construction, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. The meetings took place during Modi’s visit to France following his participation in the G7 Summit.
Among the prominent business leaders who met the Prime Minister was Rodolphe Saade, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM. Their discussions focused on maritime shipping, logistics, global supply chains, shipbuilding, ship recycling, deep-sea ports, and container manufacturing.
Saade expressed confidence in India’s growing role in global supply chains and highlighted opportunities for deeper cooperation between French and Indian companies in the shipping and logistics sectors.
Modi also met Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain, to discuss sustainable construction and advanced materials. The Prime Minister appreciated the company’s strong investments in India and its contribution to employment generation and industrial growth.
In a separate meeting with Martin Sion, CEO of Alstom, discussions centered on railway modernization and mobility solutions. Modi acknowledged Alstom’s significant manufacturing presence in India and its role in strengthening the country’s rail infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also interacted with Arthur Mensch, Co-founder and CEO of Mistral AI. The discussions focused on India’s rapidly growing artificial intelligence ecosystem and potential collaborations with Indian companies to drive innovation and technological advancement.
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Paris, Modi described India as a “trusted partner” in an increasingly uncertain global environment. He emphasized that trust has become as important as trade in international relations and noted that countries around the world are seeking reliable long-term partners.
Highlighting India’s progress over the last 12 years, Modi said the country has witnessed remarkable economic and social transformation, lifting millions out of poverty while investing in sectors that will define the future, including technology, innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
The Prime Minister also underscored the strength of the India-France relationship, describing it as a pillar of trust, stability, and cooperation. He announced that India and France are set to launch the TRISHNA satellite next year, which will contribute to global water and food security efforts.
Modi is also scheduled to participate in VivaTech 2026, Europe’s leading technology and innovation event, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
