During a period of global unpredictability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated in Mumbai on Tuesday that the Indo-French partnership serves as a stabilizing force, emphasizing that the bilateral relationship is "very special." Indeed, the partnership has been formally raised to the level of a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’.
The discussions between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron led to a comprehensive agreement encompassing health, critical minerals, defense, science and technology, renewable energy, and skills development.
Significant results included the revision of the protocol on the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, the creation of a yearly Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue to assess the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, and a consensus on the mutual deployment of military forces.
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Accompanied by Macron during a joint press briefing at Lok Bhavan, the Prime Minister was effusive in outlining the bilateral relationship.
“The partnership between India and France has no limits. It can extend from profound seas to the highest peaks," Macron says.
Macron emphasized the distinctive aspect of the relationship, grounded in mutual principles like a collective commitment to the rule of law and a global order free from hegemony.
“We will discover an alternative path that opposes dominance. We wish to stroll together. We aim to present a framework to the world for collaborative efforts. AI must honor one another and embrace diversity. The algorithms need to be clear,” Macron adds.
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He highlighted the strategic collaboration between both nations across various areas such as defence, science and technology, nuclear energy, and high-speed rail systems.
On his inaugural visit to Mumbai and fourth journey to India, Macron commenced the day with a run along Marine Drive, the lengthy coastal walkway in south Mumbai, surprising locals. It conveyed an encouraging health message for young people in a city that organizes marathons, stated the Ministry of External Affairs.
Macron honored the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace hotel, reaffirming his nation's firm position against terrorism. In the presence of terrorism, solidarity and resolve.
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Subsequently, Modi organized a dinner for the President of France. This visit comes after the Prime Minister's trip to France last year and signified the 20th meeting between the two leaders in recent years.