Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of high-level meetings with leading global business executives in Paris on Thursday, emphasizing the vast opportunities emerging from India’s rapidly expanding innovation, manufacturing, and technology ecosystem. The engagements came after his participation in the G7 Summit in Evian, France, further reinforcing India’s focus on strengthening international economic partnerships and attracting foreign investment.
During the interactions, PM Modi met Arthur Mensch, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mistral AI, where discussions centered on the growing potential of India’s artificial intelligence landscape. The Prime Minister highlighted India’s expanding AI-driven ecosystem and its openness to global collaboration in advanced technologies. In response, Mensch expressed strong interest in working with Indian companies to develop innovative AI solutions and broaden the scope of technological cooperation.
In another key meeting, PM Modi interacted with Martin Sion, CEO of Alstom, a major player in the global mobility and railway sector. The discussions focused on opportunities in railway modernization and infrastructure development in India. The Prime Minister noted Alstom’s existing investments and manufacturing presence in India, which are contributing significantly to employment generation and strengthening the country’s transport infrastructure. Sion, in turn, outlined plans for further expansion and increased investment in the Indian market.
PM Modi also met Benoît Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain, where both sides discussed prospects in the materials and construction sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and green development practices. The Prime Minister highlighted Saint-Gobain’s growing footprint in India and its role in creating employment opportunities for young professionals. Bazin reportedly shared the company’s intentions to expand its operations further in the country.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi reaffirmed the importance of the India-France partnership in global progress, stating that the relationship plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable development and economic stability worldwide. In a message on social media platform X, he expressed pride in the Indian diaspora for their role in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering closer cooperation between the two nations.
His visit to Paris also includes participation in VivaTech 2026, one of Europe’s leading technology and innovation conferences. The event is expected to showcase India’s growing digital economy and innovation capabilities, while also reinforcing the role of overseas Indians in deepening international partnerships and supporting India’s global economic outreach.
