PM Modi recalled about taking the membership of Alliance Francaise - the cultural centre of France in India, around 40 years back, and that he was the first person who got registered with it

During his interaction with the Indian community at La Seine Musicale in Paris, PM Modi said, "Friends, personally my affection for France has been for a very long time and I cannot forget it. Around 40 years back, a cultural centre of France, Alliance Francaise began in Gujarat`s Ahmedabad. And today the first member of that cultural centre in India is talking right in front of you. A few years back, the French government gave me a photocopy of that identity card and even today it is precious to me"

Alliance Francais aims to promote the French language and culture across the world. PM Modi congratulated the people of France ahead of France`s National Day and thanked them for inviting him. He called this visit to France "special" as he will attend France`s National Day Parade along with French President Emmanuel Macron

"I have visited France several times but this time my visit is special. Tomorrow is France`s National Day. I congratulate the people of France. I thank the people of France for inviting me. Today French PM received me at the airport and tomorrow I will attend the National Day parade with my friend Emmanuel Macron. This is a reflection of the unbreakable friendship between India and France," PM Modi said

Speaking about the ties between India and France, PM Modi said that people-to-people connect and mutual trust between the people of the two nations is the strongest foundation of this partnership