India, June 18 -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday delivered a surprise farewell message in Hindi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Indian leader wrapped up the final day of his multi-city visit to France. The warm exchange came at the end of Modi's visit to Paris, the last stop of a France tour that began in Nice before moving to Evian for the G7 summit and the French capital.

Macron said in Hindi, "Priya mitra Narendra, mujhe bohot khushi hui aapk Nice, Evian aur Paris mein swagat karke. France aur Bharat ki dosti amar rahe." ("Dear friend Narendra, I was very happy to welcome you to Nice, Evian and Paris. Long live the friendship between France and India").

The French President then switched to English and added, "I ...