Prime Minister Narendra Modi has again questioned the United Nations Security Council, how can this body claim to speak for the world, when the most populous country and the largest democracy is not its permanent member? India needs to regain its rightful place, he said, as the issue is not just the credibility of the UN. The rights of the Global South have long been denied. Due to this there is anger in the minds of the people of these countries. India plays the role of a bridge between the Global South and the Western world.

PM Modi reached Paris on Thursday on a two-day visit. Earlier, in an interview to a French newspaper, he said, since ancient times, India has been at the forefront of contributing to global economic growth, technological advancement and human development. Today, India is offering solutions to problems like recession, food security, inflation, social tension in the world. Against this global backdrop, I see a renewed confidence in Indians and an eagerness to take their rightful place in the world. The PM said, India brings a unique and distinctive perspective to the global discussion. It has always stood for peace, fair economic order, concerns of vulnerable countries and global solidarity to address common challenges.

PM Modi said that at a time when many countries of the world are getting old, India is the youngest country in the world. Youth are our strongest asset. India's young and skilled workforce will be an asset to the world in the coming decades.

Asked about the pillars of India's soft power, Modi said, "Our exports have never been war and subjugation, but yoga, ayurveda, spirituality, science, mathematics and astronomy." We have always been contributing to global peace and progress. It is fortunate that there is a renewed interest in Indian culture and civilization. Yoga is a household word today. Our traditional medicine of Ayurveda is getting acceptance. Indian cinema, cuisine, music and dance are in demand all over the world.

PM Modi said that the goal of India-France partnership is to advance the free, open, inclusive, secure and stable Indo-Pacific region. Both countries are major powers in the Indian Ocean region. Both also aim to help other countries in the region.

PM Modi thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for the invitation. Said, his thinking matches with that of India. Therefore, the partnership between India and France is getting deeper in areas like economic, social, cultural and people-to-people contact. Our business has almost doubled since 2014.