Swaraj lauds 'wide-ranging' Indo-French relations

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who was on a two-day visit to France, has branded the bilateral relations as "wide-ranging and full of depth."

Swaraj's visit comes at a time when India and France are celebrating two decades of the strategic partnership in the fields of "commerce and culture, tourism and technology, science, space, and security."

Swaraj, while addressing the Indian diaspora here, spoke about "close personal friendship" between French President Emmanual Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that "has infused new dynamism in our partnership."

Highlighting the multi-faceted links with France, Swaraj acknowledged the presence of the Indian community in the French and European Parliament.

She also commended efforts of the members of the Indian community to erect statues of Mahatma Gandhi across the country.

"You are messengers of the success story of the economic transformation of India that has defined the last four years of the country. You have played an important role in initiatives like clean India, Digital India, Skill India, Start-Up India, and Make In India," Swaraj added.

She hailed Indians living in the country, saying that they adopted the "French customs and laws but at the same time preserved distant Indianess."

Further, lauding the Indian dignitaries including Rabindranath Tagore, Bhikaji Kama, JRD Tata, she said they played an important role in building strong relations of India with France.

Swaraj also released the publication 'States of India' aimed at increasing awareness regarding business climate and investment potential among the Indian states.

She handed over certificates of appreciation to various individuals and organisations associated with the Indian community who have contributed to the 'Swacch Bharat Kosh.'

Swaraj, who has departed for Luxembourg, is later scheduled to visit Brussels.