India & France to expand cooperation in defence, space, AI, and energy
Meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy on Friday (June 14, 2024), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reviewed India-France bilateral relations, focusing on the 'Horizon 2047' Roadmap and the Indo-Pacific Roadmap, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
 
They discussed cooperation across a wide spectrum, including defence, nuclear, space, and education. They also talked about climate action, digital public infrastructure, connectivity and cultural initiatives such as the National Museum partnership and enhancing people-to-people ties, the MEA added.
 
At the same time, the two sides have agreed to step up cooperation in areas like AI, critical and emerging technologies, energy, and sports.
 
During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron also exchanged views on key global and regional issues. "They emphasized that a strong and trusted Strategic Partnership between India and France is crucial for a stable and prosperous global order and agreed to work closely to make it scale greater heights," the MEA stated.
 
Thanking President Macron for his warm wishes on assuming office for the third consecutive term, Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes for the forthcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
 
A Trusted Partnership 
 
This is the second time the two leaders have met this year.
 
President Macron visited India on January 25-26, 2024. He held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi in Jaipur on January 25; he was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26.
 
During their talks, India and France agreed to adopt the Defence Industrial Roadmap and explore opportunities for partnership in the defence industrial sector and prioritise co-designing. 
 
The year 2023 marked the silver jubilee of the India-France Strategic Partnership, with Prime Minister Modi visiting France in July.
 
In their “Horizon 2047” statement issued during this visit, both countries agreed to work within the framework of a partnership between equals, in consonance with their respective sovereign and strategic interests.
 
They also decided to strengthen cooperation in the sector of the future, “so as to reinforce their sovereignty and decision-making autonomy, and to respond together to the major challenges confronting our planet, including through the cooperation between India and the European Union.”
 
Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron met again on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 10, 2023. The joint statement issued after their talks reflected a commitment to shared values, future-oriented collaboration, and an unwavering drive towards global betterment.