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Jaipur, India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in crucial talks on Thursday in Jaipur, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties across defense, security, and business sectors. Macron, who received a red carpet reception in the city, is set to be the chief guest at India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on Friday.
The discussions between the leaders are pivotal, with a focus on advancing collaboration in areas such as defense, space, and cooperation in the expansive Indo-Pacific region. The talks also encompass industrial cooperation, cross-investments, and joint efforts to address global challenges like the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and poverty eradication.
Macron’s visit seeks to build upon the India-France strategic partnership, as outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap established during the leaders’ meeting in Paris on July 14. The roadmap emphasizes three pillars: “partnership for security and sovereignty, partnership for the planet, and partnership for the people.”
The French President’s participation in the Republic Day celebrations marks the sixth time a French leader has been the chief guest, underscoring the significance of the Indo-French relationship. Notably, six Indian soldiers from the French Foreign Legion will be part of the 95-member French military contingent in the parade.
Apart from defense collaboration, Macron’s visit addresses potential deals between India and France, including the procurement of 26 Rafale M fighters for the navy and plans to build three Scorpene-class submarines. These agreements are estimated to have a combined value ranging from €9 billion to €10 billion.
Accompanied by a ministerial delegation and a business contingent, Macron aims to strengthen trust-based cooperation between the two nations. France and India have a longstanding partnership of over 60 years in space, defense, and international peace and security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
The visit also underscores France’s commitment to fostering opportunities for Indian students, artists, investors, and tourists. Initiatives supporting student mobility and promoting business ties under France’s ‘Make it Iconic’ nation-branding campaign are expected to be emphasized during the discussions.
President Macron’s itinerary in Delhi on January 26 includes an At Home reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. The visit comes at a crucial time, emphasizing France’s dedication to the strategic partnership and demonstrating magnanimity in accepting the last-minute invitation to attend the Republic Day parade.
As the leaders embark on discussions to shape the trajectory of Indo-French collaboration, the visit is seen as a symbol of France’s unwavering commitment to the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Sources By Agencies