New Delhi:  Close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successful visit to the USA, his visit to Paris, accompanied by rare honour bestowed upon him , has taken India-France relationship to the next level of strategic partnership, ASSOCHAM Secretary General Deepak Sood said .

”The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor bestowed upon Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a matter of pride for all Indians as we see our nation march on the global landscape from strength to strength,” the ASSOCHAM Secretary General said.

He said Modi’s participation in the Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysees along with a tri-service Indian armed forces contingent marks the strategic mutual trust and friendship between India and France. With India standing out as the world’s fastest growing economy , the developed world is looking at it as a partner of great strategic importance.

Agreement between India and France on the Unified Payment Interface takes the Indian digital drive on the world map, making the INR a currency of international choice. ”It is a great feeling to be doing digital transactions in France in Indian rupee”.

Sood said the opening of a new Indian consulate in Marseille, would be a great facilitator for the people to people connect between the two countries as India and   France build further on strategic areas of defence, nuclear energy, trade, technology transfer and climate change.