New French Envoy Arrives in Delhi at an ‘Exceptional Time’ for India-France Ties – News18

France’s newly appointed Ambassador to India has arrived in New Delhi from Bangkok to assume his new role during what he described as an “exceptional time” for the relationship between the two countries.

In a statement, Ambassador-designate Thierry Mathou said his arrival coincides with a pivotal moment in the relationship between Paris and New Delhi. He underlined that France embraced India’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – One Earth, One Family, One Future.

“As I just arrived in New Delhi from Bangkok to take my new assignment as Ambassador of France to India, I want to tell you how happy and proud I am to be in India, a country I have been visiting so many times since my first trip here more than forty years ago, a country once described by Jules Michelet, a famous French historian from the 19th Century as the matrix of the world,” the French envoy said in a statement.

Mathou said this year is not only an opportunity to celebrate the length and depth of India-France ties but also the moment that has been chosen to look towards the future by setting the course of the partnership for the next 25 years up to 2047. The French ambassador said that his role is now to implement with determination and ambition for the India-France partnership the roadmap adopted by the country’s leaders.

Ambassador Mathou emphasised the concrete nature of these partnerships, ranging from scientific collaborations and technological advancements to healthcare improvements and cultural exchanges. He expressed his eagerness to work closely with Indian authorities and civil society to transform the shared vision of leaders into action, promoting the common values of liberty, equality, and democracy.

Mathou is replacing Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain who worked in India for four years. In his farewell speech, Lenain said the greatest privilege of being the ambassador to India has been to meet the diversity of talented people who are India’s unique strength.

“In the last 4 years, France and India have achieved much together: new projects in defence and the Indo-Pacific, joint initiatives for the planet, deeper people-to-people ties and powerful shows of mutual solidarity. I leave India confident that our two countries are closer than ever,” he said.