Paris: 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.
