Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met leading business executives here and held discussions on investment opportunities and expansion plans in India.The discussions with the CEOs of the French companies focused on strengthening cooperation across sectors ranging from shipping and logistics to railways, construction and artificial intelligence, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Modi is currently in France, where he participated in the G7 Summit over the last two days and held talks with several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump.
Among those who met the Prime Minister in Paris on Thursday was Rodolphe Saade, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, with discussions focusing on maritime shipping, logistics and global supply chains.
"We had global discussions on development that we could eventually implement in India. We discussed shipbuilding, ship recycling, deep sea ports as well as building containers," Saade told PTI after meeting Modi.
He further said: "I see great potential for France and India to continue cooperating and setting up new partnerships. As far as we are concerned, we view (the) relationship with our Indian partnerships very good and I believe that we can do more in the field of shipping and logistics."
"I believe that India has a major role to play in the supply chains of the world. The fact that we are now in a position to build container ships in India is definitely a good step forward. The future of India is happening now," he added.
According to the MEA, Modi noted the group's "strong and growing presence in India".
The MEA said in a post on X that Saade highlighted CMA CGM's plans for India, including "ongoing investments, expansion plans and initiatives that are leading to skill development, shipbuilding, expansion in logistics and innovation in supply chain".
Modi also met Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain, and discussed opportunities in the materials and construction sector, with a particular emphasis on sustainability.
The Prime Minister noted Saint-Gobain's "strong presence and investments in India, which are creating opportunities for Indian youth", the MEA said.
Bazin shared Saint-Gobain's plans for "further investments and expansion in India", according to the ministry.
Modi separately met Martin Sion, CEO of Alstom, and discussed opportunities in mobility and railway modernisation.
The Prime Minister noted Alstom's "significant investments and manufacturing presence in India, which are contributing to job creation and the growth of India's rail sector", the MEA said.
Sion shared Alstom's plans for "further expansion and investments in India".
Modi also met Arthur Mensch, co-founder and CEO of Mistral AI, and highlighted opportunities in India's "growing AI ecosystem".
Mensch expressed Mistral AI's "strong interest in collaborating with India and partnering with Indian companies to drive innovation and expand AI capabilities", the MEA said.
In Paris, Modi is also scheduled to attend VivaTech 2026 - Europe's premier technology and innovation event - alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and interact with the Indian community.
Meanwhile, Modi said India is emerging as a "trusted partner" to the world. He underlined that the country is investing across sectors that will drive growth, innovation and opportunity for generations to come.
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Paris, Modi also said that this is a defining period in India's journey, where aspirations are reaching new heights.
"There was a time when relations between countries were determined solely by trade, but today, trust has become just as important alongside trade," Modi told the gathering at Salle Playel, one of the largest indoor venues in the French capital.
"Every country wants a reliable supply chain. Every country wants a stable partnership. Every country is in search of such partners on whom trust can be placed for the long term, and at such a time, India is emerging as a trusted partner in the world," the prime minister said.
Modi said that at the G7 meeting in Evian, he emphasised the importance of partnerships based on trust.
"Bharat's message to the G7 Summit was clear: global governance will only be effective when it is inclusive; global growth will be sustainable when it is shared; and technology will truly benefit humanity when it is trusted," he said.
Modi said that the world is experiencing a period of uncertainty and disruption.
"In these challenging times, the partnership between France and India has become a strong pillar of trust, stability, and cooperation," he said, noting that the two sides have elevated their relationship to the status of a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
He said the two countries are launching the TRISHNA satellite next year. "This satellite will contribute to ensuring water and food security in the world," he added.
Modi said he arrived in France when his Government had completed 12 years.
"Serving the nation continuously for 12 years as the elected Prime Minister has been a great fortune of my life. This is the strength of India's democracy, which has brought a tea seller to this position," he said.
Modi said that India has witnessed transformative growth across sectors in the last 12 years. "Beyond economic growth, India's journey is about empowering people and transforming lives," he added.
He said that today's story of India is not just the story of economic progress. "It is also the story of social transformation," he said, adding that 25 crore people in the country have been lifted out of poverty in the last 12 years.
"Today's India and its youth are dreaming very big dreams. India's farmers are moving forward with new possibilities. India's women are demonstrating new leadership," he said.
"Fifty or a hundred years from today, when this era is reviewed, it will emerge that this era was driven by India's aspirations. Today's India is building the entire ecosystem of the future. India is investing in every sector that will shape the direction of the coming decades," he added.
Earlier, Modi was welcomed with the message "Bonjour Modi", or hello Modi, and chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".