Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled a series of measures aimed at strengthening everyday links between India and France, including the expansion of UPI services, greater mobility for students and professionals, and closer cooperation in higher education.
Addressing members of the Indian community in Paris, PM Modi said both countries were working to make travel, payments and educational opportunities more seamless. He described the initiatives as part of a broader effort to bring India and France closer across economic, technological and people-to-people domains.
The Prime Minister said the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France would be expanded further, allowing faster and easier financial transactions 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,” Modi told the gathering.
UPI was launched in Paris in July 2024 and is already operational at several locations, including the Eiffel Tower.
UPI expansion and mobility measures take centre stage
PM Modi also highlighted recent steps aimed at easing movement between the two countries.
He pointed to the opening of India’s consulate in Marseille last year and said it had improved access to consular services for members of the diaspora.
The Prime Minister further noted that Indian nationals can now avail visa-free transit facilities 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.
Focus on students, professionals and educational cooperation
PM Modi said India and France were also advancing discussions on the mutual recognition of educational qualifications and increasing opportunities for students and professionals.
He added that efforts were underway to facilitate 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 said.
India-France partnership built on trust, says PM
Linking bilateral cooperation with wider global developments, Modi said countries today are looking for dependable partnerships amid international uncertainty.
He argued that trust has become as important as trade in international relations and said India was increasingly being viewed as a reliable long-term partner.
“There was a time when relations between countries were determined solely by trade, but today, trust has become just as important alongside trade,” he said.
The Prime Minister described the India-France relationship as a pillar of stability and cooperation and noted that the two countries had elevated their engagement to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
As an example of growing collaboration, he said India and France would launch the TRISHNA satellite next year to support global efforts related to water and food security.
PM highlights India’s transformation
During the interaction, PM Modi also spoke about India’s economic and social progress over the past 12 years.
He said the country’s development was being driven by the aspirations of its people and highlighted gains in infrastructure, manufacturing and poverty reduction.
According to the Prime Minister, India has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty during this period and continues to invest in sectors that will shape future growth and innovation.
Addressing the diaspora, he praised Indians living in France for strengthening ties between the two nations and called them a key force behind the growing partnership.
The Prime Minister concluded his France visit after participating in the G7 Summit in Evian, addressing VivaTech 2026 in Paris and holding discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, business leaders and technology innovators.