New Delhi/Paris, February 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the India-France CEO Forum, emphasized that the present moment marks an opportune time for global businesses to invest in India. Highlighting India’s rapidly growing economy and strong bilateral ties with France, he urged French investors to explore the vast potential that India has to offer across multiple sectors.
Strengthening India-France Economic Partnership
PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment, ensuring ease of doing business, and facilitating foreign investments. He noted that India’s economic resilience, digital transformation, and robust policy framework provide an ideal landscape for international collaborations.
He acknowledged France’s contributions to various Indian sectors and encouraged further collaboration in infrastructure, green energy, defense, and digital innovation. “India is open for business like never before, and with France as a trusted partner, we can create new avenues of cooperation that benefit both nations,” he stated.
Opportunities in Key Sectors
PM Modi identified various industries where Indo-French cooperation can be expanded:
- Aerospace & Defense: With India aiming to strengthen its defense capabilities, France’s expertise in aerospace technology and its defense collaborations with India (such as the Rafale jets) provide significant investment potential.
- Renewable Energy: India has set ambitious targets for clean energy, and France’s leadership in sustainable technology can support India’s transition to green solutions.
- Technology & AI: India’s booming IT sector and startup ecosystem offer significant potential for technological collaboration, with a focus on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and innovation-driven industries.
- Infrastructure & Urban Development: With India rapidly urbanizing, French companies specializing in smart city planning, high-speed rail, and infrastructure development have lucrative opportunities.
India’s Business-Friendly Environment
Highlighting India’s efforts in regulatory reforms, PM Modi assured that the government is committed to providing a seamless business environment. He spoke about policy initiatives like ‘Make in India,’ ‘Digital India,’ and ‘Startup India,’ which have positioned the country as a global investment hub.
He also mentioned India’s massive infrastructure push, improved taxation policies, and streamlined processes that make the nation more accessible for foreign investors. With India ranking high in ease of doing business and being one of the fastest-growing economies, PM Modi assured that French investors would find India an attractive destination for business expansion.
French CEOs Express Interest
Several prominent French business leaders participated in the forum and expressed their enthusiasm for expanding operations in India. Many companies in France already have successful ventures in India, and the discussion revolved around scaling up these investments.
Leaders from French multinational corporations praised India’s economic policies, workforce potential, and growing consumer market. They discussed collaborations in areas like sustainable infrastructure, manufacturing, and the digital economy.
A Vision for the Future
The India-France CEO Forum concluded with a positive outlook for bilateral trade and investment relations. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing economic ties and exploring new areas of cooperation.
PM Modi’s message was clear: India is the land of opportunities, and with strong allies like France, the journey toward mutual growth and prosperity will continue to flourish. The forum marked another step toward deepening Indo-French relations and reinforcing India’s position as a top destination for global investors.
