Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks on Sunday regarding the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine war during the first leg of the Indian PM's visit to France.
Global Issues Discussed
According to an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders exchanged perspectives on matters of global importance, including the situations in West Asia and Ukraine. PM Modi expressed his anticipation for the upcoming G7 summit in Evian and thanked President Macron for engaging India in substantive discussions leading up to the summit.
Bilateral Cooperation Strengthened
Reviewing progress under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, both leaders shared concrete ideas to strengthen and diversify bilateral ties in economic growth, technology, innovation, talent mobility, and cultural exchanges. They noted steady growth in bilateral trade and agreed to establish a High-level Mechanism to double it within five years. They also called for early implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement to expand bilateral trade and investment. Cooperation in SME, aviation, and railway sectors was also discussed.
New Agreements and Initiatives
India and France welcomed the agreement to establish a Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics in Kanpur. They also established a Dialogue on Economic Security to strengthen supply chain resilience, especially in critical minerals.
Both leaders emphasized enhancing people-to-people ties. PM Modi thanked President Macron for the swift operationalisation of visa-free transit for Indian nationals at French airports. They discussed ways to enhance mobility of talent and students and expand mutual recognition of educational qualifications. PM Modi invited French universities to open campuses in India under the New Education Policy. Cooperation among museums and cultural institutions, including the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, was also agreed upon.
Social Media Highlights
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "What a pleasure to have met you again in Nice. A first step that was resolutely productive. The partnership between India and France will continue to reach new heights. See you in Évian and Paris..."
PM Modi further stated that the meetings with his friend Macron were exceptionally productive. "In light of the long-standing friendship between our two nations, we have decided to elevate our relations to the level of an Exceptional Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Our discussions focused on deepening cooperation in defence, technology, space, security, counter-terrorism, innovation, among others," he said.
Strategic Partnership Reaffirmed
Both leaders reiterated the importance of the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership in creating opportunities for the peoples of the two countries and advancing international peace, stability, and prosperity.
Earlier, PM Modi and President Macron held bilateral talks in Nice, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the partnership through enhanced cooperation in defence, innovation, trade, space, civil nuclear energy, and people-to-people ties.
PM Modi will return to France for the G7 Summit after his visit to Slovakia.
