Agreed to launch India’s Unified Payment Interface(UPI) in France, says PM Modi

In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties between India and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on 14th July that India has agreed to launch India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in France. Speaking at the Élysée Palace in Paris, PM Modi emphasized the importance of France as a partner in the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India) initiatives.

India and France: Strong Partners in Defense and Beyond

PM Modi emphasized the longstanding defence ties between our nations, underscoring that defence cooperation has been the bedrock of the India-France relationship. He emphasized that France is a crucial partner in the “Make in India” campaign, expressing a joint commitment to fulfilling the defence requirements of India and other friendly nations. The collaboration extends to various aspects, including submarines and Indian Naval ships.

Driving Clean Energy Transition: Indian Oil and France’s Total Company

The Indian Prime Minister welcomed the long-term agreement between Indian Oil and France’s Total Company to export Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The partnership is set to contribute significantly to India’s ambitious goal of achieving a clean energy transition and reducing carbon emissions.

25 Years of Strategic Partnership

Marking the 25th anniversary of our strategic partnership, PM Modi emphasized the solid groundwork laid over the past quarter-century and reaffirmed our shared vision to forge an even brighter future in the next 25 years. He emphasized the resolve of the Indian people to transform India into a developed nation and acknowledged France as a natural partner in this journey.

Space Cooperation and Chandrayaan-3

PM Modi acknowledged the long-standing cooperation between India and France in the field of space. With the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3, India’s lunar mission, he expressed pride in the achievement and emphasized the potential for enhanced collaboration in areas like space-based maritime domain awareness. The Prime Minister mentioned the new agreements between the space agencies of India and France, highlighting the prospects for deeper cooperation.

Expanding Collaboration: Indian Consulate in Marseille and Educational Opportunities

PM Modi announced plans to open a new Indian Consulate in the city of Marseille, further strengthening the diplomatic presence in France. He also invited French universities to establish their campuses in India, promoting educational exchange and collaboration. Moreover, the Prime Minister warmly welcomed the decision to grant long-term visas to Indian-origin students pursuing education in France. This significant step will not only strengthen cultural ties but also create a solid foundation for academic collaboration between the two nations.

Paris Olympics and Youth Exchange

Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, PM Modi expressed the enthusiasm of Indian athletes to participate in the upcoming games. He emphasized the importance of youth engagement and announced France’s goal of sending 30,000 French students to India by 2030. The visa policy for Indian students seeking higher education in France is designed to create a conducive environment for their academic pursuits.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke before PM Modi, reaffirmed the commitment to youth and education, expressing the aim of sending more French students to India and facilitating a favourable visa policy for Indian students pursuing higher education in France.

The announcement of launching India’s Unified Payment Interface in France further solidifies the partnership between the two nations, fostering economic cooperation and technological exchange. With the deepening friendship between India and France, both nations are enthusiastic about exploring new avenues of collaboration across various sectors. From defence and space exploration to education and clean energy initiatives, the potential for collaboration is vast and promising. Together, India and France are set to forge innovative partnerships that will shape the future and bring about positive change in these key areas of mutual interest.

 

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