Indo-French Relations are in their zenith era as the diplomatic relations between the two countries are blooming and prospering at a decent pace. The two countries have formed a strong allegiance with their hopes for tangible progress in the economic and social dimensions of the respective democracies.
French Ambassador Thierry Mathou is the newly appointed ambassador and Designate of France to India. He has inherited this position from France’s former ambassador Emmanuel Lenain who has served the post for four consecutive years.
As Thierry Mathou’s tenure ended in Bangkok, he visited India to confirm his new position. On 13 September 2024, he addressed the nation on his arrival in New Delhi. Mathou enthusiastically recalled the event of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France and his appearance as a Guest of Honour on Bastille Day; also called the French National Day.
Mathou made embellished remarks on the bilateral relationship of the countries and called it an ‘exceptional time’ to join the office. He also highlighted prospects of development in domains such as security, environment, technology and education.
Indo-French Relations ascertain Plans for 25 years ahead in the Future- Mathou’s Take
Thierry Mathou resolved his standing on the goals and roadmap crafted by both nations for the potential they see in our future growth and evolution. The partnership called attention to one of India’s oldest philosophies, one which resonates with the values that both nations are committed to.
The theme and the core of this mutual consensus is the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which was put forward by India during the G20 summit. The ideology signifies the three key meanings– ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
Thierry Mathou centered his speech not just around the past achievements and milestones of the countries but also reflected his positive intentions on the course the two nations will be taking till 2047, which will also mark the hundredth year since India achieved its independence.
Memorandum of 25 Year-long Project
Taking inspiration from Indian philosophy, India and France have given precedence to the three core agencies that define the foundation of any successful democracy. They are as follows:
Partnership for Security and Sovereignty
The two nations aim to advocate for security and stability as they play an essential role in bringing groundbreaking reforms in the coming future.
Partnership for the Planet and Global Issues
Protests and Placards would only come to fruition if the supreme authorities translate their efforts into a physical decision to build a concrete action plan to manage climate change.Â
Rectifying the damage done by humans to the environment will take time to repair but this initiative by India and France will only make the challenge progress faster and further.
Partnership for the People
Every plan and proposal made by the government is directly or indirectly in relation to the lives of citizens residing in that country. Indo-France Partnership aims to achieve stability by way of generating opportunities for people in the fields of education and technology.
The partnership for the people seeks to promote opportunities in the educational, technological, scientific and employment sectors.
Areas that concern nature preservation, clean water management and energy sources are also taken seriously.
By way of educational exchanges, offer of job opportunities, and advancement in the fields of science and technology through collaboration.
India- The Matrix of the World
Thierry Mathou in his address recalled the words of a renowned French Historian Jules Michelet who described India verbatim- ‘The Matrix of the World.’Â
Mathou also called the bilateral relationship between the countries strategic and universal, implying that diverse domains are taken under consideration that begin and last from ‘sea to space’.
The vast array of territories starting from health, education and environment to space have been covered in the partnerships that are going to play an essential role in bringing one of the biggest reforms in history in the coming years.
