In a significant diplomatic rendezvous on the sidelines of the G20 Summit 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in productive discussions to bolster Indo-French relations. Their talks encompassed a spectrum of issues, with a prominent focus on deepening defense ties and advancing collaborative efforts in the design, development, and manufacture of advanced defense technologies and platforms. Notably, their ambitions extend to sharing these capabilities with third countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
A Joint Statement released following their meeting underscored the shared commitment of both leaders to fortify defense cooperation through comprehensive partnerships, which include design, development, testing, and manufacturing of advanced defense technologies. Additionally, they expressed their intention to expand production within India, with a strategic emphasis on catering to the defense needs of countries in the Indo-Pacific.
Crucially, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron called for the expeditious finalization of the Defense Industrial Roadmap, signaling their dedication to expediting progress in this critical sector.
The India-France joint statement emanating from this summit highlighted several key areas of discussion:
- Bilateral Progress: The leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in July 2023 in Paris. Their discussions also encompassed important international and regional developments, reflecting the depth and dynamism of the Indo-French partnership.
- Shared Values and Commitments: The India-France partnership is founded on deep trust, shared values, and a belief in sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Both countries are committed to upholding international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. They share an unwavering faith in multilateralism and a common pursuit of a stable, multi-polar world order.
- Global Challenges: Recognizing their roles as forces for good, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron reiterated their commitment to carrying the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – one earth, one family, one future – especially during these transformative times in the global order.
- Ambitious Goals: The leaders discussed the progress and future steps related to the implementation of ambitious goals in various areas. This includes defense, space, nuclear energy, digital public infrastructure, critical technology, climate change, education, and people-to-people contacts.
- Indo-Pacific Cooperation: India and France discussed their partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on infrastructure, connectivity, energy, biodiversity, sustainability, and industrial projects. They also emphasized their role as solution providers through cooperation within the framework of the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
- Space and Nuclear Cooperation: Acknowledging their robust space cooperation spanning six decades, the leaders reviewed developments since the first Strategic Space Dialogue in June 2023. They also noted progress in civil nuclear ties, particularly the Jaitapur nuclear plant project. France reaffirmed its unwavering support for India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
- Digital and Technological Cooperation: Both leaders stressed the importance of collaboration in digital, science, technological innovation, education, culture, health, and the environment. They called for strengthening institutional linkages, inspired by the Indo-French Campus for the Indo-Pacific.
- Cultural Exchanges: Modi and Macron committed to expanding cultural exchanges and collaborating on the development of museums, enhancing cultural ties between the two nations.
- Global Leadership: Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Macron for France’s continued support for India’s presidency of the G-20, which has advanced inclusiveness, unity, and cohesion in international efforts. India and France also welcomed the African Union’s membership in the G-20, signaling their intent to collaborate for the progress, prosperity, and development of Africa.
In conclusion, the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron at the G20 Summit 2023 serves as a testament to the enduring Indo-French friendship. Their commitment to strengthening defense cooperation, advancing technological innovation, and addressing global challenges reflects the shared vision of these two nations in an ever-evolving world order. The outcomes of this meeting set the stage for enhanced collaboration between India and France in various spheres, contributing to peace, stability, and progress in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.