India and France have a long and close relationship, the two countries have a strong cooperation in areas of defense, security, and trade. Indian Prime Minister visited France on 13-14, July 2023, at the invitation of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. The visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership and the two countries have considered a roadmap for their future bilateral cooperation. During his visit, PM Modi attended the Bastille Day Parade as the Guest of Honour, met with President Macron for formal talks. The grand cross of the Legion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour), the highest rank of France’s order of merit, was presented to Modi by President Macron. According to a statement from the presidency, the award “salutes the role of the prime minister in the excellent relations of friendship and confidence that unite France and India.” Furthermore, Macron said in a speech, India is a giant in the history of the world which will have a determining role in our future, it is also a strategic partner and a friend.”
As Indian Prime Minister Modi visits Paris, the Indian government announced that it would purchase from France’s Dassault and Naval Group 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets and three Scorpene military submarines. The military deal comes at a time when the two countries are looking for partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Also, France is stepping up its diplomatic and business connections with India in an effort to win the Asian powerhouse away from Russia, which is now its major arms supplier. In addition, India and France agreed to increase collaboration in key sectors such as sustainable development, space, science, and cooperation at institutional level. Total Energies and Indian Oil Corporation Limited have signed a long-term LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA). For joint research initiatives and the exchange of technological and scientific expertise, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of scientific collaboration was also signed. The India-France relationship is a vital partnership for both countries, the relationship is poised to grow even stronger in the years to come. The two countries have a number of shared interests, and they are committed to working together to address future challenges,
India, France agree to enhance cooperation in strategic areas, space, science, sustainable development
Read more At:
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/europe/india-france-agree-to-enhance-cooperation-in-strategic-areas-space-science-sustainable-development20230715092208/
Research Associate, Pakistan House