PM Modi and Macron Discuss Strategic Partnership, Global Affairs, and Terrorism in France

PM Modi and Macron Discuss: Following the two-day visit to France by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was jointly stated by the two leaders in a joint statement that they reaffirmations of the shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership. The two leaders lauded on progress made so far in their bilateral cooperation and pledged to fast-track that further.

During their bilateral talks, the joint statement goes on to read, the two leaders discussed several vexed issues, including the entire range of Indo-Pacific and the Russia-Ukraine war. They also discussed strategic partnership and cooperation in areas such as defence, nuclear energy, and space. They also discussed issues around technology and innovation.

"The talks covered all aspects of the India-France strategic partnership. The two leaders reviewed cooperation in the strategic areas of Defence, Civil Nuclear Energy and Space. They also discussed ways to strengthen collaboration in the fields of Technology and Innovation. This area of partnership assumes greater salience in the backdrop of the just concluded AI Action Summit and the upcoming India-France Year of Innovation in 2026. The leaders also called for enhancing trade and investment ties and in this regard welcomed the report of the 14th India- France CEOs Forum," said the Indian government's statement.

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On Tuesday, Modi and Macron flew together from Paris to Marseille in the French Presidential Aircraft.

They pledged to enhance even further this engagement on both Indo-Pacific and broader global forums and initiatives.

What did the joint statement say?

Bilateral talks of both leaders read that the discussion between them spanned the entire gamut of exceptionally strong and multifaceted bilateral cooperation and global and regional matters.

"Both leaders also went to Marseille where President Macron hosted a private dinner for Prime Minister Modi, reflecting the excellent relationship between the two leaders. They jointly inaugurated India’s Consulate General in Marseille. They also visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor facility," it added.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated their call on the reform and effectiveness for creating an equitable and peaceful international order to address the pressing challenges of the world and prepare for the emerging changes, inclusive of the technological and economic sectors.

"The two leaders stressed, in particular, the urgent need for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and agreed to coordinate closely in multilateral fora, including on UNSC matters. France reiterated its firm support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC. The two leaders agreed to strengthen conversations on the regulation of the use of the veto in case of mass atrocities. They held extensive discussions on long-term global challenges and current international developments and agreed to intensify their global and regional engagement, including through multilateral initiatives and institutions," the statement added.

In the defense cooperation sector, the two leaders praised the successful collaboration in the production of Scorpene submarines in India, especially for the indigenization process, including under the project the work done regarding integrating DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) into P75-Scorpene submarines besides the studies carried out regarding the possible integration of the Integrated Combat System (ICS) into future P75-AS submarines.

Both leaders welcomed the commissioning of the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene-class project, INS Vaghsheer, on 15 January 2025. Both sides welcomed the ongoing discussions on missiles, helicopter engines and jet engines. Also appreciated were the excellent cooperation between the relevant entities in the Safran group and their Indian counterparts. Prime Minister Modi also invited the French Army to take a closer look at the Pinaka MBRL, emphasizing that an acquisition of this system by France would be another milestone in Indo-French defence ties. Additionally, President Macron welcomed the decision to include India among the observers to the Eurodrone MALE programme managed by OCCAR, which is yet another step forward in building ever-stronger ties in our partnership for defence equipment programmes.

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Modi and Macron had a rather in-depth engagement on common international issues, including that of the Middle East and Ukraine. They agreed to continue their respective efforts to coordinate and remain closely engaged, regularly.

The two leaders reaffirmed their common commitment to an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, inclusive, secure, and peaceful. They also denounced all forms of cross-border terrorism and called for breaking the chains between networks that finance terrorism and their safe havens.

"The two leaders reaffirmed their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They called for the disruption of terrorism financing networks and safe havens. They further agreed that no country should provide safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts. The leaders also called for concerted action against all terrorists, including through designations of individuals affiliated with groups that are listed by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. The two sides emphasized the importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism, consistent with Financial Action Task Force recommendations. Both countries reiterated their commitment to work together in FATF, No Money For Terror (NMFT) and other multilateral platforms," the statement reads.

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