PM Modi Announces Agreements For India's UPI To Be Used In France, Long-Term Visas For Indian Students

Observing the global shift towards a "new world order," Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India's role and capabilities are rapidly evolving during his visit to France.

During an interaction with the Indian community in Paris, PM Modi announced a significant development.

An agreement has been reached to enable the use of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France, he announced.

Furthermore, he shared that France has made a decision to grant long-term five-year visas to Indian students pursuing a master's degree in the country.

PM Modi added that the implementation of UPI in France would begin at the iconic Eiffel Tower. This would allow Indian tourists to make payments in Indian Rupees using UPI technology at the famous landmark.

Speaking further, he emphasized that the world is moving towards a new world order, and India's capability and role are evolving rapidly. Currently, India holds the presidency of the G20, marking the first time that over 200 meetings are being held across the nation during a country's presidency.

The strategic partnership between India and France, which has spanned 25 years, is of great significance, he added. Both countries are jointly addressing numerous challenges of the 21st century.

Given the current critical time, the importance of this strategic partnership has further increased. PM Modi emphasized that the strong people-to-people connection forms the foundation of the India-France partnership.

PM Modi acknowledged the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora and referred to them as "rashtradoot" or national ambassadors. He invited the diaspora to invest in India, stating that wherever Indians go, they create a mini-India.

He expressed how the Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in promoting India's interests and strengthening its ties with other countries.

During his speech, PM Modi also made a reference to French footballer Kylian Mbappé, highlighting the popularity of the player in India. He also shared his personal connection to France, mentioning the cultural center that was established in Ahmedabad 40 years ago, of which he was the first member.

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France.