Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron today addressed the 14th India-France CEOs Forum in Paris, underscoring the deepening economic collaboration between the two nations. The high-profile gathering brought together industry leaders from diverse sectors, ranging from defence, aerospace, and emerging technologies to sustainable development, artificial intelligence, and food and hospitality.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s position as a global investment destination, emphasizing the country’s stable political environment and progressive policy framework. He highlighted key economic reforms introduced in the recent budget, including the opening of the insurance sector to 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and private sector participation in civil nuclear energy with a focus on Small and Advanced Modular Reactors (SMR & AMR). Additionally, he pointed to the rationalization of customs duty structures and a new simplified income tax code designed to enhance ease of living and doing business.
Furthering India’s commitment to regulatory efficiency, PM Modi noted that over 40,000 compliance requirements had been streamlined in recent years, reinforcing a trust-based economic governance model. To ensure continued reform momentum, a high-level regulatory reform committee has been established to enhance investor confidence and economic predictability.
Inviting French companies to actively engage in India’s growth story, PM Modi highlighted investment opportunities in critical sectors such as defence, energy, highways, civil aviation, space, healthcare, and financial technology. He also called for increased participation in India’s ambitious AI, Semiconductor, Quantum, Critical Minerals, and Hydrogen missions, which have gained significant global traction.
Reaffirming the commitment of both nations to a technology-driven partnership, President Macron lauded India’s economic progress and innovation potential. He emphasized France’s willingness to expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest, particularly in sustainable infrastructure, digital transformation, and clean energy.
The forum also featured addresses by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs H.E. Jean-Noël Barrot, and Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty H.E. Eric Lombard. The discussions underscored the significance of India-France economic ties in driving global innovation and fostering a resilient and dynamic bilateral trade ecosystem.
With India and France strengthening their strategic and economic cooperation, the forum set the stage for new business alliances and investment commitments, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
