Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India–France ties are expanding into new areas such as innovation, technology and education after meeting Emmanuel Bonne, the diplomatic adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron.
Bonne called on the Prime Minister amid ongoing high-level engagements between the two countries, including the 38th India–France Strategic Dialogue held earlier in the day in New Delhi.
Following the meeting, PM Modi shared a message on X, saying he was pleased with the interaction and reaffirmed the strength of the India–France Strategic Partnership.
“Delighted to meet Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to President Macron. Reaffirmed the strong and trusted India–France Strategic Partnership, marked by close cooperation across multiple domains. Encouraging to see our collaboration expanding into innovation, technology and education, especially as we mark the India–France Year of Innovation,” PM Modi wrote.
The Prime Minister added that both sides exchanged views on key regional and global issues and looked forward to President Macron’s upcoming visit to India.
Bonne’s visit coincided with the 38th India–France Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the French official. The dialogue reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including defence, security, technology, space and civil nuclear energy.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides reiterated their commitment to deepen cooperation through joint development and innovation, aligned with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
The discussions also covered the evolving geopolitical situation and issues of regional and global concern, with India and France stressing the need for closer coordination to address emerging security challenges and promote peace and stability.
Preparations for President Macron’s proposed visit to India were also reviewed during the dialogue, with both sides expressing confidence that it would further strengthen strategic ties, sources said.
During his visit, Bonne also met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reflecting sustained high-level political engagement between the two countries.
Geopolitical experts view the India–France Strategic Dialogue as a key platform supporting a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, noting that deeper cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, space, nuclear energy and emerging technologies could contribute to long-term regional and global stability.
(IANS)
