PM Modi in France Live: “Delighted to meet my friend, President Macron in Paris,” tweets Prime Minister Narendra Modi

 

PM Modi in France Live: “Delighted to meet my friend, President Macron in Paris,” tweets Prime Minister Narendra Modi

February 2025 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Paris, France, on a highly anticipated official visit, signaling a fresh chapter in the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between India and France. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi shared his excitement about meeting his “friend,” President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the significance of the bilateral talks that are expected to unfold over the next few days.

In his tweet, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm about the warm relationship between the two nations, stating, “Delighted to meet my friend, President Macron in Paris. Looking forward to our discussions on strengthening the India-France partnership, particularly in areas of defense, trade, and climate change.”

The tweet reflects the importance of this diplomatic trip, which will focus on reinforcing key strategic areas, such as defense cooperation, trade ties, and climate action. The visit comes at a time when both countries are increasingly working together to tackle global challenges and promote peace, security, and sustainable development.

The Friendship Between Modi and Macron

The relationship between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron has always been one of mutual respect and deep friendship. Since taking office, Modi has repeatedly praised Macron for his leadership on the global stage, while Macron has consistently lauded India’s growing role in international affairs. Their bond is rooted in shared democratic values, a commitment to tackling climate change, and a strategic vision for global peace and security.

PM Modi’s visit to France is seen as an effort to elevate this already strong relationship to new heights, particularly as both countries look to deepen their collaboration in various critical sectors. Their personal friendship is expected to play a key role in creating a more robust and comprehensive framework for Indo-French relations.

Focus on Strategic Cooperation and Defense Ties

One of the main areas of discussion between the two leaders is expected to be defense cooperation. Both India and France have made significant strides in expanding their defense ties in recent years. France has been one of India’s most important partners in defense, with the landmark purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France being one of the most high-profile deals between the two nations.

During PM Modi’s visit, discussions are likely to center around enhancing defense collaboration, exploring joint military exercises, and increasing the transfer of technology to India to boost its defense capabilities. Both countries are keen on expanding their military-to-military cooperation in the face of growing security concerns, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, which has seen rising tensions in recent years.

In addition, cybersecurity is also expected to feature prominently in the talks. Both India and France recognize the importance of addressing cyber threats, and as digital infrastructure becomes more central to national security, a more coordinated approach to cybersecurity could be discussed.

Economic Ties and Trade Expansion

Trade and economic cooperation will also be a significant focus of the talks between PM Modi and President Macron. Both leaders are expected to discuss strategies for boosting trade between their countries, which currently stands at over $12 billion annually. The visit comes at a time when India is looking to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) into various sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology.

France, a key player in the European Union, holds immense potential for India in terms of trade and investment. In particular, India sees France as a critical partner in its efforts to expand its renewable energy sector, as France is a leader in nuclear energy and solar power technology. The two countries have already established close cooperation in these areas, and discussions during PM Modi’s visit could lead to further collaboration on green technologies, helping India meet its ambitious renewable energy targets.

Moreover, French companies have shown keen interest in investing in India’s infrastructure, defense, and technology sectors, and Prime Minister Modi is expected to encourage greater engagement from French businesses to explore investment opportunities in India’s growing economy.

Climate Change and Clean Energy

Climate change has become one of the defining challenges of the 21st century, and both India and France are at the forefront of the global push for sustainable energy and environmental conservation. PM Modi and President Macron have previously worked together on various international initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which was launched by India and France in 2015 to promote solar energy globally.

During this visit, the two leaders are expected to focus on the transition to clean energy, the promotion of green technologies, and further strengthening the Paris Agreement on climate change. PM Modi has previously committed India to ambitious climate goals, and France, under Macron’s leadership, has been a strong supporter of these initiatives.

Both countries are likely to discuss ways to expand their cooperation in clean energy technology, including nuclear power, hydropower, and solar energy. They may also explore ways to work together on climate financing to support developing nations in their transition to a low-carbon economy.

Collaboration in Space Technology

The growing importance of space exploration and technology is also expected to be a key topic of discussion during the trip. Both India and France have highly respected space agencies – ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales) – and have collaborated in the past on various space missions.

In recent years, space technology has become a major area of interest for both countries, with India making significant progress in its space programs. PM Modi and President Macron may discuss further collaboration in space exploration, satellite technology, and launching joint missions.

India’s ambition to send its own astronauts to space under the Gaganyaan mission and its continued focus on the development of advanced space technology aligns with France’s longstanding expertise in space research. This partnership could lead to further cooperation in space missions, satellite communications, and Earth observation technologies.

Strengthening the Indo-Pacific Partnership

Both leaders are also expected to discuss the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, which has become increasingly vital in the global geopolitical landscape. With the rising influence of China in the region, India and France have a shared interest in maintaining peace, stability, and free navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

During PM Modi’s visit, discussions on the Indo-Pacific and how both nations can cooperate in securing maritime routes, enhancing regional stability, and addressing security challenges are expected to be key focal points. As both India and France are committed to a rules-based international order, the two countries may further cement their partnership in regional security frameworks, particularly through organizations like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which includes the US, Japan, India, and Australia.

Summary

PM Modi’s visit to France is set to be a landmark moment in the strengthening of India-France relations. The two leaders, both deeply committed to addressing global challenges such as climate change, security, and economic development, are expected to emerge from their discussions with a renewed sense of cooperation and shared vision for the future.

The warmth and friendship between PM Modi and President Macron are bound to elevate the strategic, economic, and diplomatic ties between their countries to unprecedented levels. As both nations continue to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, their partnership is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of international relations.