PM Modi Invites French Businesses to Embrace India's Expanding Market at CEOs Forum
Wed, 12 Feb 2025

In a significant move to bolster economic ties between India and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 14th India-France CEOs Forum in Paris, urging French businesses to explore the abundant opportunities within India's evolving market. He emphasized the transformative economic reforms introduced in India's recent budget, designed to attract foreign investment and simplify business operations. A key highlight of PM Modi's address was the announcement that India's insurance sector is now fully open to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), allowing 100% foreign ownership. This liberalization aims to infuse capital into the sector, fostering growth and enhancing the range of insurance products available to consumers. Additionally, the civil nuclear energy sector has been opened for private participation, with a focus on advancing Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR) technologies. These initiatives are expected to propel India towards cleaner and more efficient energy solutions. To facilitate international trade, the Prime Minister announced the introduction of "India Trade Net," a digital public infrastructure project aimed at streamlining trade processes. This platform is anticipated to simplify procedures, reduce transaction times, and enhance transparency, thereby making India a more attractive destination for global commerce. In his address, PM Modi also highlighted the rationalization of over 40,000 compliance requirements in recent years, underscoring the government's commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment. He urged French enterprises to study these initiatives and consider deepening their engagement with India, particularly in areas such as technology, innovation, and sustainable development. The Prime Minister's call to action reflects India's progressive approach toward attracting foreign investment and its dedication to fostering international partnerships. By inviting French businesses to participate in India's growth story, PM Modi aims to strengthen the economic ties between the two nations, paving the way for a collaborative and prosperous future.