Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled a suite of new initiatives aimed at deepening the bond between India and France, spanning from digital financial integration to enhanced professional and educational mobility. He said that the scope of UPI usage in France will expand further.
During his key address to the Indian diaspora in Paris, PM Modi said that the expansion of UPI in France will facilitate instant connectivity and mutual payments between the two countries.
“Now, the scope of UPI usage in France is also going to expand further. This means instant India-France connect and instant mutual payments. Through all these initiatives, we are bringing India and France closer,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday discussed the expansion of the UPI in France. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said that the UPI is available in several localities in France, including at the Eiffel Tower.
The UPI was launched in Paris on July 3, 2024.
Alongside this digital integration, PM Modi highlighted the practical progress made in recent months and noted that the opening of a consulate in Marseille last year has provided significant convenience to the diaspora.
He further underscored recent travel milestones, including the commencement of visa-free transit for Indian nationals at French airports.
“Before I leave, I have some more good news for all of you. Last year, a consulate was opened in Marseille. This is providing significant convenience. A few weeks ago, visa-free transit for Indian nationals began at French airports,” he said.
He outlined a collaborative approach to education, citing the increasing mobility of students and professionals, the ongoing work toward the mutual recognition of educational qualifications, and plans for the opening of French university campuses in India.
“Whether it’s increasing the mobility of students and professionals, mutual recognition of educational qualifications, or the opening of French university campuses in India, we are moving forward together on all of these,” he stated.
The Prime Minister emphasised that these diverse initiatives are central to his administration’s goal of bringing India and France closer together.
