PM Modi stated that France holds significance as a partner in the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
In a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that France plays a crucial role as a partner in the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. Additionally, he highlighted that defense ties have been a significant pillar in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed that India considers France as a natural partner in its pursuit of becoming a developed nation. He further mentioned the celebration of the 25-year strategic partnership and the formulation of a roadmap for the next 25 years, building upon the robust foundation established during the previous quarter-century. The leaders are setting bold and ambitious goals to guide this collaborative journey.
The Prime Minister’s statement followed the approval by the Defense Acquisition Council to purchase 26 Rafale-M fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy from France. There were previous speculations that this deal would be announced during PM Modi’s visit to France.
PM Modi’s collaborative statements
PM Modi stated, “Whether it’s submarines or Indian naval vessels, our aim is to meet not only our own requirements but also those of other friendly nations.” He also emphasized that the defense ties between India and France represent a profound level of trust between the two nations.
Modi expressed his approval of the enduring agreement between Indian Oil and France’s Total company for exporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). He acknowledged that this collaboration will play a crucial role in advancing India’s clean energy transition goals.
PM Modi revealed that a consensus has been reached to introduce India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France. In addition to this, various other new initiatives have been identified to enhance cooperation between the two countries. These initiatives encompass areas such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, cyber and digital technology.
The Prime Minister stated that the discussion would revolve around cooperation on small and modular nuclear reactors, aiming to advance collaboration in the field of nuclear energy.
PM Modi declared that a new Indian Consulate will be established in the French city of Marseille.
He also praised the successful launch of Chandrayaan 3 and expressed the excitement felt throughout India about this remarkable accomplishment. He described it as a significant achievement by Indian scientists and highlighted the longstanding and profound cooperation between India and France in the field of space exploration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest honor, bestowed upon him by French President Emmanuel Macron, to the people of India. He humbly stated, “It is not my honor but the honor of the 1.4 billion people of the country.”
During his two-day visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited as the guest of honor at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris. The parade featured a 269-member Indian tri-service contingent, and to mark the occasion, three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in the flypast.
