Nice Mayor Says ‘Indians Are Always Welcome’ as PM Modi Concludes Landmark France Visit

Nice, June 2026 : Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti on Sunday reaffirmed the French city’s warm ties with India, stating that Indians are always welcome in Nice, as he reflected on his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s official visit to France.

Describing his meeting with the Indian Prime Minister as meaningful and cordial, Ciotti said the visit represented a significant moment in strengthening ties between Nice and India.

“This private meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also an opportunity to warmly thank him for choosing Nice,” the Mayor said.

Expressing admiration for the growing India-France partnership, Ciotti added, “He (PM Modi) is at home here. Indians are always welcome in our city.”

The Mayor underlined Nice’s global outlook and openness to international cooperation, emphasising the city’s willingness to engage with partners from around the world.

“Nice is open to the world, open to talent, to investors, to entrepreneurs, and to all those who wish to build partnerships for the future,” he said.

“It is in this spirit of friendship and trust that we wish to strengthen our ties with India,” Ciotti added.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday on an official visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit marked another important chapter in the long-standing strategic partnership between India and France.

Mayor Ciotti was among the dignitaries present at Nice airport to receive the Prime Minister upon his arrival. Other senior French officials and Indian representatives also welcomed PM Modi.

During his stay in Nice, Prime Minister Modi held extensive discussions with President Macron, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation across key sectors including defence, technology, space, security, innovation and counter-terrorism.

Following their talks, PM Modi announced a major elevation in bilateral relations.

“Today’s talks with my friend, President Macron, were exceptionally productive. Considering the longstanding friendship between our nations, we have decided to elevate our ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership,” the Prime Minister posted on social media platform X.

He added that the discussions explored ways to deepen cooperation in areas critical to the future of both nations.

Earlier in the visit, PM Modi and President Macron jointly inaugurated the ‘Bharat Innovates’ event in Nice, showcasing collaboration between Indian and French startups, investors and technology leaders.

Concluding the first leg of his European tour, Prime Minister Modi departed Nice for Bratislava to begin a State visit to Slovakia from June 14 to 16 at the invitation of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The Ministry of External Affairs described the France visit as highly productive, noting its strong emphasis on innovation and future technologies.

Before leaving, PM Modi also shared a message for President Macron on X, writing: “Nice to have met you in Nice. A productive first leg indeed. The India-France partnership will keep scaling new heights. See you in Evian and Paris.”

The visit is being viewed as another milestone in the steadily expanding India-France strategic relationship, with both nations seeking closer collaboration in emerging technologies, economic partnerships and global affairs.