On Tuesday, Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi addressed the 14th India-France CEO Forum in Paris, emphasizing the significant investment opportunities in India and the transformative reforms introduced in the recently presented FY26 Union Budget. PM Modi’s remarks come as India positions itself as a leading global hub for diversification and de-risking, particularly in the wake of evolving economic landscapes.
During his address, PM Modi underscored that India is on the brink of becoming the third-largest economy in the world, a milestone that reflects the country’s rapid growth and stability. “This is the right time to invest in India,” PM Modi stated, highlighting the nation’s commitment to creating a conducive — environment for foreign investments.
The Prime Minister’s address was part of a broader agenda that included a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. PM Modi congratulated Macron on the successful AI Action Summit, which they co-chaired earlier in the day, marking their sixth meeting in two years. “This is a confluence of the best business minds of India and France,” PM Modi remarked, acknowledging the collaborative spirit of the forum.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the efforts of the business leaders present, noting their commitment to the mantra of “innovate, collaborate, and integrate.” PM Modi expressed his satisfaction with the strengthening of the India-France strategic partnership, which has been bolstered by ongoing dialogues and initiatives.
Highlighting the economic reforms undertaken in India over the past decade, PM Modi stated, “We have established an ecosystem of stable and predictable policy.” He pointed out that India has transformed into the fifth-largest economy globally and is recognized as the fastest-growing major economy. “Our identity on the global stage is that today India is rapidly becoming a preferred global investment destination,” PM Narendra Modi added.
The Prime Minister also outlined several key initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment. He mentioned the launch of the Semiconductor and Quantum Mission, which aims to position India as a leader in these critical technologies. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives, particularly in the defense sector, as part of the country’s strategy to enhance its manufacturing capabilities.
In a significant announcement, PM Modi revealed that India is advancing its Hydrogen mission and has set an ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047. He noted that the civil nuclear sector would be opened to private investment, with a focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR). “This will be opened for the private sector. We are focusing on Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Modular Reactors. This is the right time to come to India,” he stated, inviting global investors to seize the opportunity.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the CEO Forum reflects India’s strategic vision to enhance its economic footprint on the global stage while fostering partnerships with key nations like France. As the world navigates through economic uncertainties, Modi’s call for investment in India underscores the country’s potential as a stable and lucrative market for international businesses.
The 14th India-France CEO Forum serves as a platform for dialogue between business leaders from both nations, aimed at exploring collaborative opportunities and strengthening economic ties. With PM Modi’s emphasis on innovation and strategic partnerships, the forum is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of India-France relations in the business sector.
As India continues to implement reforms and attract foreign investment, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message resonates with the global business community, reinforcing the notion that the India is not just a market but a partner in growth and innovation.
