Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Orly airport in Paris on Monday to co-chair an important artificial intelligence-related conference and hold a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. “Prime Minister Modi has arrived in Paris. He was received by French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu,” announced the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal. The Prime Minister was also given a guard of honour at the airport.
On the streets of Paris, the presence of the Indian community gathered to welcome the Prime Minister was notable. They were dressed in traditional Indian attire and were shouting slogans of ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ while playing drums. Many ‘Modi Modi’ slogans were also heard as the Indian Prime Minister was warmly welcomed. Prime Minister Modi greeted the crowd with folded hands.
An elderly Sikh man commented in appreciation, “We are very happy that you are celebrating the birth anniversaries of Sikh Gurus and Sahibzadas. History is witness to the fact that you respect people of all religions.” The Prime Minister also interacted briefly with the people present there.
The visit coincided with a visit to the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, where PM Modi paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in France during World War I. It symbolises India’s ties with France.
After Prime Minister Modi’s European visit, he will go to America, where he will meet President Donald Trump to strengthen India-US relations.