The President of France meets Pascal Fautrat, Founder and Executive Director of TARA

During his first presidential visit to India, Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed his will to strengthen the strategic partnership between his country and India. Beyond the vital economic ties of the two nations, the President has also underlined the values that France and India share, and expressed his admiration for the commitment of the French community to social justice in India.

On this occasion, he was able to meet some of the men and women who dedicate their life to this cause in New Delhi, like Pascal Fautrat.

The strengthening of the Indo-French strategic partnership, at the core of the French presidential visit

A three-day visit and a substantial agenda for the French Head of State, Emmanuel Macron, who made his first official visit to India in March 2018. Arrived in New Delhi on the 9th of March, the President met his counterpart Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, and expressed his will to see India become a first-rate partner of France in the region as well as France a preferred contact for India in Europe, and in the West.

Energy, defense and environment were thus at the core of the continuation of the Indo-French partnership and of the 20 contracts signed by French companies in India (Alstom, Safran, Suez…) valued at EUR 13 billion.

Insisting on the strong economic bonds between France and India, Mr. Macron also mentioned the converging values and interests of the two countries. He affirmed his confidence in the potential of the Indian youth and took part in a debate with two hundred young men and women from various backgrounds. The French President concluded this discussion by encouraging the youth to grab hold of her country’s future and asserting his ambition to welcome a growing number of Indian students in France.

Finally, the trip of the presidential couple ended with a visit to the Taj Mahal, monument of Mughal Art and a symbol of romanticism and refinement, followed by a short stay in the sacred city of Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The social involvement of the French community in India, praised by President Macron

Despite of his many duties, the French President made a point of acknowledging the achievements of the French community in India. Having appreciated the French entrepreneurial spirit and economic presence on the subcontinent, Mr. Macron also praised the social involvement of many French nationals in the Indian capital city.

To this end, he specially mentioned in his speech – and for the first time for a President in office – the many successes of our long-term partner Main Tendue. Founded a decade ago, Main Tendue brings the French community together with charity events and supports several NGOs involved in the protection of women and children in New Delhi, including TARA.

After his speech, the President expressed his wish to meet those who commit everyday for a greater social justice in India. Mr. Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India and his wife, both very committed to this cause, therefore introduced Pascal Fautrat to Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron who congratulated him for the work he has been accomplishing at TARA for nearly ten years.

Here is in exclusivity a glimpse of the speech of the President to the French community in Delhi: