WATCH: Indian Community Chants 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' As PM Arrives In Paris

Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Paris on Thursday afternoon, received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora. They accorded a warm welcome to PM Modi while raising slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.” Many were seen clicking selfies with the prime minister while some sang songs and presented gifts to PM Modi.

It was a show of unity in diversity in Paris as people from different faiths and different walks of life thronged at the hotel to shower love on PM Modi. An Indian woman dedicated a song to PM Modi and she even got emotional while clicking a selfie with the prime minister. After PM Modi’s landing, MEA spokesperson Bagchi in a video message said that PM Narendra Modi has just touched down on his visit to France.

“Behind me, in a very special gesture the Prime Minister of France, Elisabeth Borne has come personally to the airport to receive the Prime Minister in a visit that's just about 36 hours,” he said.

#WATCH | Members of the Indian diaspora chant 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' as they meet PM Modi in Paris, France

PM Modi will address an Indian Community event at the iconic La Seine Musicale at around 11 PM IST today. pic.twitter.com/w7EcQfb7oe — ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2023

Elaborating on PM Modi’s programme, he said, “Prime Minister will lead the leaders, presidents of the Senate and the National Assembly….President Macron, who is principal host, is organising a private dinner today evening with formal talks tomorrow.”

“There is of course the main event the Bastille Day celebration which both Prime Ministers will attend later in the evening. Tomorrow there's a state banquet as well as inter with the CEOs and other personalities,” said Bagchi in a short video message.

In a special gesture, French PM Elisabeth Borne received PM Modi at the airport. A ceremonial welcome and Guard of honour were accorded to Prime Minister Modi. “Vive l'amitié franco-indienne! PM @narendramodi alights at the Paris airport. Accorded a ceremonial welcome. In a special gesture, PM @Elisabeth_Borne received him at the airport. PM’s intensive programme in Paris includes participation in the Bastille Day celebrations & a slew of engagements with the French leadership, Indian diaspora, CEOs and prominent personalities,” tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson upon PM Modi’s arrival.

A large number of people from the Indian community had gathered outside the hotel in Paris. Prime Minister Modi will be attending the Bastille Day Parade as Guest of Honour on invitation by Emmanuel Macron, President of France. This visit also marks the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership.