Macron's India Visit Defense and Business Ties Take Spotlight

06 Feb, 2024

Macron's India Visit Defense and Business Ties Take Spotlight

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to grace India's 75th Republic Day celebrations as the esteemed chief guest, commencing his visit with a journey to Jaipur on Thursday. During his stay, President Macron will engage in comprehensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to fortify bilateral cooperation and crystallize novel initiatives across various pivotal domains, as articulated by the French embassy in Delhi.

The discussions are poised to traverse diverse terrains, encompassing defense collaboration, synergistic efforts in the expansive Indo-Pacific region, strategic responses to pressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity preservation, and poverty alleviation, along with bolstering commercial ties and reciprocal investments.

Of particular significance is Macron's visit coinciding with India's potential procurement of 26 Rafale M fighters from France and plans to construct additional Scorpene-class submarines, anticipated to significantly enhance the nation's naval capabilities. These endeavors are projected to amount to an estimated €9 billion to €10 billion.

The visit epitomizes the steadfast commitment to fortify the strategic partnership between France and India, as delineated in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, reaffirming their shared vision for the ensuing 25 years. The three pillars of this roadmap, namely partnership for security and sovereignty, partnership for the planet, and partnership for the people, underscore the multifaceted nature of their collaboration.

Accompanied by a ministerial delegation and distinguished personalities, Macron's agenda underscores the robust Franco-Indian ties, particularly in defense and space sectors, exemplifying a trust-based cooperation aimed at reinforcing strategic autonomy and international peace and security, notably in the Indo-Pacific region.

Delving deeper into the agenda, the visit aims to galvanize joint initiatives to combat critical challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and technological transformations, resonating with the ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and accentuating joint endeavors such as the International Solar Alliance.

Moreover, the visit underscores France's commitment to nurturing greater opportunities for Indian students, artists, investors, and tourists, alongside reinforcing business ties under the ambit of France's 'Make it Iconic' nation-branding campaign, with India being a priority country.

This landmark visit, marking Macron's sixth participation in India's Republic Day celebrations, epitomises the enduring Indo-French friendship and mutual trust, reinforced by reciprocal gestures of national day celebrations.

Macron's itinerary includes cultural interactions in Jaipur, symbolic visits to historic landmarks, and participation in key events in Delhi, showcasing the depth and breadth of the bilateral relationship.

In essence, President Macron's visit symbolises a new chapter in the dynamic and multifaceted relationship between France and India, underpinned by shared values, strategic convergence, and a commitment to mutual prosperity and global peace.