PM Modi told the Indian community in Paris – the shared passion of football is a way to further strengthen relations.

Paris, June 18. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that football is another strong medium which connects India and France. People’s passion for this game is clearly visible in both the countries.

Addressing the Indian community in Paris on the last day of the six-nation tour of France and Slovakia, PM Modi wished the France national football team, which started the World Cup campaign with a spectacular win.

Here are glimpses from the wonderful community program at Salle Pleyel in Paris.

It’s always special to interact with the Indian diaspora and highlight the collective strides of 140 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/hA2Fad0xrw

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2026

PM Modi said that the enthusiasm for football is at its peak in France and the craze for this game is being seen in every corner of the country. He said that in India too, people’s enthusiasm for football is increasing rapidly and the French team has many fans in the country. He said that this shared passion for football also adds a cultural bond to the relations between India and France. In the same year, relations between the two countries have been given the status of special global strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister said that at a time when the world is going through many uncertainties and changes, the partnership between India and France has become a strong foundation of trust, stability and cooperation. He said the elevation of relations to a Special Global Strategic Partnership reflects the deep trust between the two countries and a shared vision for the progress of the world.

During his interaction with the Indian community, PM Modi also emphasized on strengthening people-to-people ties. He said that Indians living in France have played a big role in strengthening the relations between the two countries and taking forward the partnership of the 21st century.

People of the Indian community in Paris expressed happiness and emotions after meeting PM Modi. He said that it was a proud and memorable moment for him. He felt that despite living thousands of kilometers away, the Prime Minister’s presence made him feel connected to his country.

PM Modi wrote on the social media platform ‘X’, ‘I reached Paris some time ago, where the Indian community welcomed me warmly. I am proud of his efforts, which are bringing India and France closer. The India-France partnership is vital for the progress of our planet.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed ‘VivaTech 2026’, one of Europe’s largest technology and innovation conferences. He also attended the G7 summit which was held in Evian and held bilateral meetings with leaders of several countries.