India's External Affairs Minister (EAM), S Jaishankar, emphasized the burgeoning strategic alliance between India and France during a recent interaction. Welcoming France's Secretary General Anne-Marie Descotes on her visit to Delhi, Jaishankar expressed optimism regarding the trajectory of bilateral relations. Through platforms like the Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Space Dialogue, the minister anticipated further strengthening of ties between the two nations.
The roots of the India-France partnership trace back to 1998, and since then, the relationship has flourished across diverse sectors encompassing education, trade, and defense. French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to India, his third, marked significant strides in defense cooperation, particularly in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and cyber defense. The comprehensive defense industrial roadmap discussed during Macron's visit underscores the commitment to fostering collaboration in cutting-edge technologies.
Furthermore, collaborative efforts in space exploration received a boost with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between New Space India Ltd and France's Arianespace. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in satellite launches and advance space exploration initiatives, reflecting the shared vision for innovation and progress.
2026 is slated to be designated as the "India France Year of Innovation," symbolizing the commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and exchange between the two nations. This decision adds another layer of depth to the bilateral relationship, underscoring the mutual desire for continuous growth and development.
President Macron's visits to India, including his participation in the G20 Summit and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Paris, highlight the robust engagement between the two leaders. The 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership was commemorated during these interactions, reaffirming the enduring bond between the two countries.
The discussions between India and France also underscored the significance of civil nuclear cooperation, with both sides making good progress in negotiations regarding the Jaitapur nuclear plant project. The commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across various domains reflects the shared aspirations for a stronger, more collaborative future.
Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, the French Consul General in Mumbai, lauded Prime Minister Modi, describing him as a steadfast friend of France. The strong rapport between Modi and President Macron underscores the foundation of trust and camaraderie that underpins India-France relations, paving the way for deeper collaboration and mutual prosperity.
Read also | Amitabh Bachchan Applauds Jaishankar's Response to Muizzu; Calls it 'Impressive.
Read also | Strengthening National Capacities: India's Path to Global Leadership, Says Jaishankar
