PM Modi courts French business leaders, showcases India as hub for rail, AI, logistics and sustainable growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a series of high-level meetings with leading global business executives in Paris, pitching India as a key destination for investment, innovation and manufacturing while seeking deeper collaboration in sectors ranging from railways and artificial intelligence to logistics and sustainable construction.
‎During his meeting with Martin Sion, Chief Executive Officer of Alstom, discussions focused on opportunities in mobility and railway modernisation. Modi acknowledged Alstom’s significant investments and manufacturing footprint in India, noting that the company’s presence has contributed to job creation and the expansion of the country’s rail sector. Sion, in turn, shared the company’s plans for further expansion and fresh investments in India.

‎Following the meeting, Modi highlighted Alstom’s contribution to India’s industrial growth in a post on X. “Had a productive interaction with the CEO of Alstom, Mr. Martin Sion. Alstom already has a strong presence in India. Their belief in India’s growth story and their efforts towards making in India and making for the world are commendable. And, the opportunities are going to get even better in the times to come,” he said.
‎”India invites the world to collaborate with our youth,” the Prime Minister added, underscoring his government’s emphasis on leveraging the country’s demographic advantage to drive economic growth.

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‎Modi also met Arthur Mensch, co-founder and CEO of Mistral AI, with discussions centred on India’s rapidly expanding artificial intelligence ecosystem and opportunities for collaboration in emerging technologies. Mensch expressed strong interest in partnering with Indian companies and institutions to accelerate innovation and broaden AI capabilities.
‎In another post on X, Modi described the interaction as an “insightful discussion” on the future of artificial intelligence. “Held an insightful discussion with Mr. Arthur Mensch of Mistral AI on the evolving global AI landscape. Exchanged views on trusted AI, innovation and the need to ensure that AI remains human-centric and inclusive,” he said.

‎”Talked about prospects for partnerships in India in diverse aspects relating to AI. India remains committed to developing AI solutions that empower humanity while promoting innovation, trust and international cooperation,” Modi added.

‎The Prime Minister later met Rodolphe Saade, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in maritime shipping, logistics and global supply chains. Modi noted the company’s growing presence in India, while Saade outlined CMA CGM’s plans for continued investments, logistics expansion, skill development initiatives, shipbuilding opportunities and supply-chain innovation in the country.

‎Earlier in the day, Modi also held talks with Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain. Their discussions focused on opportunities in the materials and construction sector, particularly sustainable construction technologies and avenues for expanding cooperation in support of India’s development goals.

‎The meetings took place during Modi’s visit to France following his participation in the G7 Summit. The Prime Minister arrived in Paris on Thursday where he attended the technology and innovation event VivaTech 2026 alongside Emmanuel Macron. He was also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian community.

‎The series of engagements reflects India’s continuing efforts to attract global investment and deepen partnerships with leading international companies in strategic sectors. Economic cooperation, technological innovation, sustainable development and supply-chain resilience have emerged as key themes of Modi’s discussions with French business leaders during the visit, highlighting the growing momentum in India-France economic ties.