France's Macron brushes up his Hindi, pens note to 'priye' PM Modi

French President Emmanuel Macron switched from his native language to Hindi on Friday to write a heartwarming note to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India and France commemorate 25 glorious years of their strategic partnership.

"भारत और फ्रांस 25 साल की रणनीतिक साझेदारी तथा विश्वास और दोस्ती के सदैव मजबूत बंधन का जश्न मना रहे हैं। प्रिय @NarendraModi, पैरिस में हार्दिक स्वागत!," he tweeted.

(Image: Twitter/EmmanuelMacron)

Writing the note in Hindi, English, and French, Macron also shared a picture ed on Thursday, which features the duo sharing a hug outside the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French President. His desi tweet comes on the second day of PM Modi's visit to France, where the prime minister will witness the Bastille Day celebrations and hold bilateral talks with French leaders.

(Image: Twitter/EmmanuelMacron)

Earlier on Thursday, Macron bestowed the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France's highest award, upon PM Modi. The duo later sat down for a private dinner at the presidential residence in Paris. 

Expressing gratitude over it, PM Modi shared glimpses of the meet-up on his Twitter handle and wrote: "I thank President @EmmanuelMacron and Mrs. Macron for hosting me at the Élysée Palace this evening." 

Earlier during the day, the PM interacted with the Indian community that had gathered on the streets of Paris. In a nearly an hour-long address at the La Seine Musicale, he highlighted India's greatest achievements and how the country is contributing on the international stage.