Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain, during his visit to Paris, France. The meeting was part of a packed schedule in the French capital following the Prime Minister's participation in the G7 Summit. Paris marks the second stop on PM Modi's three-nation diplomatic tour. During his stay, he is expected to engage in a series of bilateral interactions and take part in the VivaTech Summit 2026, one of Europe's most influential events focused on technology, startups, and innovation.

This year's VivaTech carries special significance for India, which has been designated as the event's official AI partner country. The summit brings together global policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders to discuss the future of innovation and emerging technologies.

At the event, PM Modi is expected to showcase India's growing role in the global technology ecosystem, highlighting achievements in digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and other advanced sectors. Demonstrating India's expanding presence in the innovation landscape, the country will also host the largest national pavilion at the exhibition.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to join French President Emmanuel Macron for several key sessions at the summit. Their participation will conclude with a joint keynote address focusing on innovation, technology-driven growth, and opportunities for deeper collaboration between India and Europe. PM Modi's visit includes interactions with the Indian community in France. A large diaspora gathering featuring cultural performances and presentations celebrating India's rich traditions is expected to be one of the highlights of the Paris programme.

The visit follows PM Modi's engagements at the G7 Summit, where he emphasized India's priorities on sustainable development, reforms in global governance, and strengthening international trade partnerships. Through a message shared on social media platform X, he called for closer cooperation with countries across the Global South to promote inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity.

During discussions at the G7 outreach sessions, the Prime Minister also advocated stronger collaboration between India, developing nations, and G7 members to improve trade links, connectivity, and economic resilience. He further drew attention to the impact of ongoing tensions in West Asia, noting that developing economies often bear the greatest economic consequences of regional conflicts.