Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was accorded a red-carpet welcome upon his arrival in Paris, addressed the Indian diaspora on Thursday evening and announced several initiatives to improve collaboration between both countries. In an hour-long speech at the La Seine Musicale in Paris, Modi stressed on India's role in the world that is moving towards 'a new order'.
“Be it climate change, supply chains, counter-terrorism or counter-radicalism, the world is looking to India,” he said.
Key takeaways from Modi's address:
UPI in France
Heartened by the warm welcome from the 'mini India' in France, Modi announced that the India's payments system UPI will now be used in France too. “In the coming days, it will begin from the Eiffel Tower, which means Indians tourists will now be able to pay in rupees, “ he said. This makes financial transactions easier for Indians travelling to France, cutting the need to carry forex cards or foreign currency. France is not the first country to adopt India's Unified Payment System (UPI). The UAE, Nepal and Bhutan have adopted the system. Early this year, UPI signed an agreement with Singapore's PayNow, allowing users in either country to make cross-border transactions. The National Payments Corporation of India international is in talks to extend the UPI services in the US, European countries, and West Asia. Speaking of remittances, Modi said India is first country in world where remittance from its diaspora has crossed $100 billion.
Extension of post-study work visa for Indian students
Another key announcement was that Indian students pursuing master's degrees in France will now be given a five-year post-study work visa. So far, Indian students were given two-year work visa. “The last time I came to France, it was decided that Indian students studying in France will be given a two-year post-study work visa. Now, it has been decided that Indian students pursuing Master, will be given long-term study visa of five years,” he said.
New consulate in Marseille
Modi also announced that India will open a new consulate on Marseille, France. He also added that a statue of Tamil philosopher Thiruvalluvar will also be established in France.
OCI issues
Modi also said that issues regarding the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards in Reunion Island have been resolved. He said that OCI cards are being issued there and the government is now trying to resolve the issue in Martinique and Guadeloupe.
The Prime Minister also appealed to the Indian community to invest in a big way in India as it makes rapid strides to emerge as a developed nation. “Today every rating agency is saying that India is a bright spot. You invest in India now. This is the opportune time. Those who invest early will reap benefits,” Modi said.
Modi is in Paris on a two-day visit during which he will hold wide-ranging talks with President Emmanuel Macron and join him for the French National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. Modi began his visit to France with "fruitful" meetings with his French counterpart Elisabeth Borne and Senate President Gerard Larcher.
Modi was also conferred with the highest honour of France, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, by President Macron.