Modi gets rousing Paris welcome from Indian diaspora at community event
Synopsis
Wrapping up a packed France-Slovakia tour, PM Modi drew a large, emotional crowd from the Indian diaspora in Paris — telling them democracy’s power had carried a tea seller to the world stage. The moment doubled as soft diplomacy: his X post framing the India-France partnership as ‘vital for the progress of our planet’ signals strategic intent well beyond a ceremonial diaspora meet.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Paris on 18 June 2026 during the final leg of his France-Slovakia visit.
He conveyed the greetings of 140 crore Indians and called 12 years as Prime Minister his ‘greatest fortune.’ Modi highlighted that India’s GDP, airports, and universities have all doubled during his tenure.
He earlier addressed VivaTech 2026 , one of Europe’s largest tech and innovation conferences.
Modi also attended the G7 Summit in Evian and held bilateral meetings with world leaders.
On X , Modi called the India-France partnership ‘vital for the progress of our planet.’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 18 June received a rousing welcome from a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Paris during a community programme, marking the final leg of his visit to France and Slovakia. Modi told the crowd he felt as though he was attending a Bharat Connect event, underscoring the emotional bond between the diaspora and the homeland.
What Modi Said to the Crowd
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi conveyed the greetings of 140 crore Indians and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception. He reflected on his government completing 12 years in office, calling serving as the chosen Prime Minister for that duration his ‘greatest fortune.’
“This is the power of Indian democracy, which made a tea seller reach till here,” he said, invoking his well-known personal narrative. He also highlighted that India’s GDP has doubled and that the number of airports and universities in the country has similarly doubled during this period.
Diaspora Reaction
Members of the Indian community in Paris described the occasion as a proud and deeply emotional moment. Several attendees said Modi’s presence made them feel connected to India despite being thousands of miles away. The gathering drew a large crowd eager to meet and listen to the Prime Minister.
Modi’s Post on X
Taking to his official account on social media platform X, Modi wrote: “Reached Paris a short while ago to a warm welcome by the Indian diaspora. I am proud of their efforts in bringing India and France closer. The India-France partnership is vital for the progress of our planet.”
Broader Paris Visit
Earlier on the same day, Prime Minister Modi addressed VivaTech 2026, one of Europe’s largest technology and innovation conferences. He had also attended the G7 Summit in Evian and held bilateral meetings with several world leaders during the trip. The Paris community event served as the concluding engagement of his France-Slovakia tour, sending a clear signal of the importance his administration places on engaging the global Indian diaspora.
Point of View
The ‘tea seller to the world stage’ line continues to serve a dual audience: the diaspora abroad and the voter base at home, blending personal mythology with national pride in a way few leaders manage so consistently.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did PM Modi visit Paris in June 2026?
Prime Minister Modi visited Paris as part of a France-Slovakia tour that included attending the G7 Summit in Evian, addressing VivaTech 2026, and engaging with the Indian diaspora. The Paris community event was the concluding engagement of the trip.
What did PM Modi say at the Indian diaspora event in Paris?
Modi conveyed the greetings of 140 crore Indians, reflected on 12 years in government, and said the power of Indian democracy had carried a tea seller to the world stage. He also noted that India’s GDP, airports, and universities have doubled during his tenure.
What is VivaTech 2026?
VivaTech is one of Europe’s largest technology and innovation conferences, held in Paris. PM Modi addressed the event on 18 June 2026 before meeting the Indian diaspora later the same day.
What did PM Modi post on X about his Paris visit?
Modi wrote on X: ‘Reached Paris a short while ago to a warm welcome by the Indian diaspora. I am proud of their efforts in bringing India and France closer. The India-France partnership is vital for the progress of our planet.’
How did the Indian diaspora in Paris react to PM Modi’s visit?
Members of the Indian community described the occasion as proud and deeply emotional, saying Modi’s presence made them feel connected to India despite being thousands of miles away. A large crowd gathered to meet and listen to him.
