India emerges as ‘trustworthy partner’ for world: PM Modi

India is emerging as a “trustworthy partner” for the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday (Jun 18, 2026), stressing that the country is investing in various sectors that will drive growth, innovation and opportunities for generations to come.

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Addressing the Indian diaspora in Paris, Mr. Modi also said that this is a defining period in India’s journey where aspirations are reaching new heights.

“There was a time when relations between countries were solely determined by trade, but today trust has become equally important alongside trade,” Mr Modi told a rally at Salle Playel, one of the largest indoor venues in the French capital.

“Every country wants a reliable supply chain. Every country wants a stable partnership. Every country is looking for such partners who can be trusted for the long term and at such a time India is emerging as a trusted partner in the world,” the Prime Minister said.

He reflected on the achievements of the diaspora, pointing to World War II British Indian spy Noor Inayat Khan and French general in the Maharajah Ranjit Singh’s army.

“Whether it is Indian-born Noor Inayat Khan who sacrificed his life for the French resistance, or General Jean-François Allard who worked with Maharaja Ranjit Singh, they are all symbols of a common Indo-French heritage,” he said. He emphasized that people in India want to take their lives to the next level, pointing to the Chandrayaan mission as an example of the country’s “aspirations”.

“The world recognized it as a huge success, but India did not stop there. Today, the country is preparing for Gaganyaan and moving towards building its own space station,” he said.

Amid loud cheers from the audience, Mr. Modi hailed UPI’s expanding footprint in France, which would boost tourism flows between the two countries.

On the trade front, he pointed to the progress made on the UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will be enforced from next month, and the progress made in the European Union (EU) negotiations, which will open up new opportunities for Indian workers, farmers, innovators and others.

Mr. Modi said he emphasized the importance of trust-based partnership at the G7 meeting in Evian. “Bharat’s message at the G7 summit was clear: global governance will only be effective if it is inclusive; global growth will be sustainable if it is shared; and technology will truly benefit humanity if it is trusted,” he said.

Mr Modi said the world was experiencing a period of uncertainty and disruption. “In these challenging times, the France-India partnership has become a strong pillar of trust, stability and cooperation,” he said, adding that the two sides had elevated their relationship to the status of a special global strategic partnership.

He said both countries will launch TRISHNA satellite next year. “This satellite will contribute to ensuring water and food security in the world,” he added.

Mr. Modi said he came to France when his government completed 12 years. “Serving the nation continuously for 12 years as an elected Prime Minister has been a great fortune in life. It is the strength of Indian democracy that has brought a tea seller to this position,” he said.

Mr. Modi said India has witnessed transformational growth across sectors in the last 12 years. “Apart from economic growth, India’s journey is about empowering people and transforming lives,” he added.

He said that the story of India today is not just a story of economic progress. “It is also a story of social transformation,” he said, adding that 25 million people have been lifted out of poverty in the country over the past 12 years.

“Today’s India and its youth are dreaming very big. Indian farmers are moving forward with new possibilities. Indian women are demonstrating new leadership,” he said.

“Fifty or a hundred years from now, when this era is reviewed, it will be seen that this era was driven by Indian aspirations. Today’s India is building the entire ecosystem of the future. India is investing in every sector that will shape the direction of the coming decades,” he added.

Earlier, Mr. Modi was greeted with the message “Bonjour Modi” or hello Modi and chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.

Published – 19 Jun 2026 07:36 IST