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January 27, 2024 11:29 AM IST

Modi | india france ties | macron india visit

India and France strengthen strategic partnership during President Macron’s State Visit

French President Emmanuel Macron joined the 75th Republic Day celebrations in India as the Chief Guest, marking his second State Visit and the sixth by a French leader as the Guest of Honour for Republic Day. This visit followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the French National Day in July 2023, where the leaders unveiled the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, setting the stage for an ambitious and far-reaching trajectory in bilateral relations up to India’s centenary of independence in 2047.

Global Engagement and Climate Initiatives

Commending each other’s global initiatives, the leaders celebrated India’s successful G20 Presidency themed “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” They expressed support for the African Union’s inclusion in the G20, backed Brazil’s upcoming Presidency in 2024, and jointly committed to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

President Macron’s initiatives, including the New Global Financing Pact Summit and the One Planet – Polar Summit, were acknowledged. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to ambitious targets in their next nationally determined contributions, emphasizing the fight against plastic pollution and increased cooperation within the framework of the Rio Conventions.

Reforming Multilateralism

A shared call for reformed and effective multilateralism marked discussions, with a specific emphasis on the urgent need for United Nations Security Council reform. Stressing the importance of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, leaders underlined the growing impact of the conflict on the global economic system. They also reiterated the necessity of reforming Multilateral Development Banks to address developmental and climate-related challenges.

Indo-Pacific Cooperation and Defense Partnership

Highlighting the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific, the leaders positioned defense and security cooperation as the linchpin of the India-France partnership in this region. Commitments were made to deepen cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean, explore trilateral partnerships, and engage in new regional collaborations, aligning with a shared vision for a free, open, inclusive, secure, and peaceful Indo-Pacific.

France also unveiled an ambitious defense industrial roadmap, co-developing critical military hardware. The Tata Group and Airbus announced a joint venture to build H125 helicopters.

India-France Year of Innovation

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra announced that 2026 will be celebrated as the India-France Year of Innovation. Highlighting multiple agreements in defense, Indo-Pacific security, and green energy, Kwatra emphasized the growing salience of the India-France partnership in the complex geopolitical environment.

Sports

French President Emmanuel Macron assured India of support to organize the Olympics in the country in the near future.
“We will be delighted to build a stronger cooperation on sports with you. We will definitely support your intention to organize the Olympic Games in India for the future…,” Macron said.

Meanwhile, France is the host of the 2024 Olympics which will take place from July 26 and will conclude on August 11

Terrorism

Both leaders strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Israel, expressing solidarity with its people. Emphasizing the need to respect international humanitarian law, they called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza region, aiming to facilitate aid to the affected population.

Reaffirming their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, Modi and Macron resolved to stand together against this global menace. They agreed that no country should provide safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts.

Space, Cyberspace and Digital Cooperation

Acknowledging their longstanding collaboration in space, the leaders established the Strategic Space Dialogue, committing to expanding cooperation in space technologies, satellite launches, and research in new launch vehicle technologies. The strategic significance of cyberspace was stressed, initiating deeper collaboration in cyber infrastructure and cybersecurity.

In the digital domain, both nations highlighted the importance of fostering open, democratic, and inclusive digital economies, focusing on building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), supporting the One Future Alliance, and promoting innovation and technology. The establishment of an ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap and progress in defense industrial collaboration showcased the commitment to enhancing defense capabilities through joint efforts.

Nuclear Energy and Climate Initiatives

Recognizing the role of nuclear energy in strengthening energy security and transitioning towards a low-carbon economy, the leaders acknowledged India-France civil nuclear ties. They agreed to convene a special task force on nuclear energy within three months. Joint efforts through the International Solar Alliance, support for the Solar Academy in Senegal, and France’s candidacy for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructures highlighted their commitment to sustainable and clean energy solutions.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

Acknowledging progress in bilateral trade, the leaders noted vast untapped potential for further trade and investment. Emphasis was placed on maintaining strong confidence for companies investing in both countries. Specific initiatives, including the Airbus-Tata Advanced System collaboration, were highlighted as examples of joint efforts to boost economic ties.

Cultural, Educational and People-to-People Exchanges

The establishment of India’s first Consulate General in mainland France at Marseille and France’s Bureau in Hyderabad underscored the commitment to enhancing consular services and people-to-people ties. Leaders emphasized the importance of student mobility, youth exchanges, and initiatives like international classes for teaching French in Indian institutions. The commitment to promote vocational training, sports cooperation, and collaboration in the field of arts and crafts demonstrated a holistic approach to enhancing cultural ties.

Educational Ties

France announced a goal to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, aiming to foster academic excellence, boost cultural links, and enhance lasting friendship. The new program includes a five-year Schengen circulation visa for Indian alumni.

President Macron expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, marking the visit’s success. The State Visit has set the stage for annual summits, ensuring continuous and close engagement between the two nations.

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Last updated on: 17th February 2025