Caritas India had the privilege of meeting His Excellency Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, at his office. On 11 March 2025, the Caritas delegation, led by Fr. Anil Crasta, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India, was welcomed by Mr. Gregor Trumel, Cultural and Cooperation Counsellor, and Mr. Shad Joynal Abedin, Political Counsellor, at the Embassy. The visit marked a significant step toward fostering a stronger relationship and sharing Caritas India’s sustainable and inclusive development initiatives.

During the engaging dialogue, Caritas India shared insights into its impactful interventions nationwide, focusing on critical areas such as migration, climate change, child development, education, and disability inclusion. Special emphasis was placed on Caritas India’s pioneering work in disability programs, particularly early intervention initiatives to mitigate developmental delays and foster an inclusive society.

A key discussion point was Caritas India’s extensive disaster management and humanitarian aid work. As the first organization to reach disaster-affected areas within 24 hours, Caritas India is critical in providing immediate relief. Beyond emergency response, the organization promotes community-based disaster preparedness, equipping families to respond to crises and fostering volunteerism. Caritas India also integrates disaster resilience education into school curriculums, ensuring that future generations are equipped to combat natural calamities. This proactive approach aligns with the French Embassy’s interest in sustainable community development and presents opportunities for collaborative efforts in disaster response and resilience-building.

Caritas India highlighted its commitment to climate-resilient farming as a sustainable solution for vulnerable communities. Through the FARM Northeast Project, the organization promotes organic farming, water conservation, millet revival, and agroforestry. These practices not only address environmental degradation but also improve food security and provide economic stability for farmers. The organization also supports the preservation of indigenous seed varieties through community-led seed libraries, fostering biodiversity and local empowerment. With the French Development Agency (AFD) prioritizing climate-related projects, there is potential for future collaboration on initiatives promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ecological preservation.

Caritas India also shared its work supporting migrant communities at both inter-country and intra-national levels. The organization provides comprehensive support, including immediate financial aid for returning migrants to help them rebuild their lives and develop long-term livelihoods through assistance in starting small businesses like dairy farming and transportation services. This work extends to regions such as Punjab, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, where Caritas India collaborates with local agencies to ensure the dignity and sustainability of migrant workers. Mr. Gregor Trumel expressed a keen interest in learning more about Caritas India’s migration and human trafficking programs, opening the door for further discussions on potential joint initiatives.

His Excellency Mr. Thierry Mathou expressed a deep interest in Caritas India’s grassroots initiatives and commended the organization’s commitment to empowering vulnerable communities. The French delegation also shared their work in Rajasthan, promoting local arts and crafts through innovative public-private partnerships that preserve cultural heritage while creating livelihood opportunities.

The interactive session also included discussions on Caritas India’s role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate resilience. The organization works closely with communities to build preparedness and enhance sustainable livelihoods. Through cooperation and collaboration, both organizations can leverage their strengths to foster sustainable solutions, empower vulnerable communities, and create lasting social change.