Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India–France relations “remain a force for global good” as he met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“Delighted to meet President Macron during the Johannesburg G20 Summit. We had an engaging exchange on different issues. India–France ties remain a force for global good,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X after the meeting.
The two leaders have remained in close contact in recent months. In September, they held a phone conversation to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reiterating India’s firm support for a peaceful resolution and early restoration of regional stability. They had also spoken on August 21 to align efforts toward achieving a just and lasting peace.
During their engagements this year, the leaders have reviewed progress across multiple areas of cooperation — including economic ties, defence, advanced technology, and space collaboration. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India–France Strategic Partnership under key frameworks such as the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap, and the Defence Industrial Roadmap.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked President Macron for accepting the invitation to attend the AI Impact Summit hosted by India in February 2026, stating he looks forward to welcoming the French leader to New Delhi.
President Macron had earlier posted on X that the two countries agreed to boost strategic and economic cooperation, strengthen sovereignty and independence, and work together for effective multilateralism. He noted that France and India will coordinate closely as France assumes the G7 Presidency and India takes over the BRICS Presidency in 2026.
On the sidelines of the ongoing G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held meetings with several global leaders, including South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Additionally, he announced the launch of the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership along with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
(IANS)