PM Modi meets with French President Macron, praising their defense cooperation and stating that a future road map is being developed

Speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the two nations’ defense cooperation.

Modi said that the two nations are working on a strategy to further improve bilateral ties over the next 25 years as India and France celebrate their 25 years of strategic alliance.

Modi is in France on a two-day trip. Prior to their meeting, Modi marched with Macron in the Bastille Day Parade alongside members of the Indian tri-services, and Indian Rafale fighter jets performed a fly-by. Modi was also given the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor by the French government, which is their highest honor. He is the only Indian Prime Minister to get this honor.

What did PM Modi say on the friendship between France and India?
Macron greeted Modi at the Elysee Palace. After the event, he made some comments, noting that the India-France relationship has always been strongly supported by defense ties.

“We are commemorating our Strategic Partnership’s 25th birthday. We are creating a road plan for the next 25 years based on the solid basis of the last 25 years. For this, we are establishing audacious and ambitious targets, said Modi.

Modi also discussed the role of France in India’s self-reliance program, known as the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” project, which aims to increase domestic output.

With regard to submarines or naval aircraft, he stated, “France is an important partner in ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Together, we want to meet not only our own needs but also those of other friendly countries.”

Modi also discussed the effects and interruptions of the Covid-19 epidemic and the Ukraine War on the world.

This is a serious situation, he remarked. It is crucial that nations work together to develop answers to these issues. We think that only through communication and diplomacy can all disagreements be resolved. India is prepared to support long-term peace.

Regarding terrorism, Modi said, “India and France have cooperated in the battle against terrorism. We think that in order to combat cross-border terrorism, serious action must be done.

Modi said that France and India have decided to introduce India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) there.

Additionally, Modi said that India will establish a new consulate in the southern French city of Marseilles.

Parade on Bastille Day
As the Guest of Honor on Friday morning, Modi joined Macron at the Bastille Day Parade.

The parade also included a tri-services contingent from India, and fighter jets from Rafael performed a fly-by.

A giant in global history, with a crucial role to play in the future, a strategic partner, and a friend, Macron said on Twitter at the time.We are honored to have India as our special guest for the parade on July 14.

“On this 14th of July, Indian infantry and Rafale planes are advancing and circling with our forces.

“We pay tribute to those who served with the French in the First World War. We won’t soon forget.

For his part, Modi tweeted, “Joined the procession in Paris on this historic anniversary of Bastille Day. My sincere thanks for the honor and kind welcome,” With images of the spectacular march-past, Prime Minister Modi tweeted: “Inspired by its centuries-old ethos, India is committed to doing everything within its power to make our planet peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable.” India’s 1.4 billion people will always be appreciative to France for being a reliable and powerful ally. May the connection become even stronger!”

Elisabeth Borne, the French prime minister, and Gerard Larcher, the president of the Senate, were also met by Modi earlier on Thursday.

“In Paris, PM Narendra Modi and PM Elisabeth Borne had productive discussions. The leaders addressed ways to further strengthen connections between the two nations as well as reviewing different aspects of the India-France collaboration, according to a tweet from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

According to the PMO, Modi and Larcher had a “productive meeting” where they discussed a number of topics of interest to both of them and decided to work together to advance India-France collaboration in a number of sectors.