PM Modi and French President Macron Discuss Ways to Further Cement Strategic Ties

Bari: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he h an excellent meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, ir fourth meeting in one year, and discussed ways to furr strengn strategic partnership in areas like defence, nuclear and space.

two leers met on sidelines of G7 summit here in sourn resort town of Italy.

meeting with Macron is Modi’s first official bilateral meeting with an international leer since taking charge for his third term as Prime Minister earlier this month.

Modi thanked President Macron for his warm wishes on assuming office for third consecutive term.

"H an excellent meeting with my friend President @EmmanuelMacron. This is our fourth meeting in one year, indicating priority we accord to strong India-French ties," Modi posted on X.

"Our talks covered numerous subjects such as defence, security, technology, AI, Blue Economy and more. We also discussed how to encourage innovation and research among youth," Modi wrote.

"At G7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I discussed main issues of strategic partnership that unites India and France, in fields of energy, defense, research, and culture, and I must say: what momentum!" Macron posted on X.

Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Macron on hosting of Paris Olympics, which begins next month. France will host 2024 Summer Olympics from July 26 to August 11.

two leers reviewed India-France bilateral relations, focusing on 'Horizon 2047' Romap and Indo-Pacific Romap.

Discussions included cooperation in defence, nuclear, space, education, climate action, digital public infrastructure, connectivity and cultural initiatives such as National Museum partnership and enhancing people-to-people ties.

two leers agreed to furr intensify strategic defence cooperation with an increased focus on ‘Make in India’.

y also agreed to expand cooperation in realms of Artificial Intelligence, critical and emerging technologies, energy and sports, while working closely in context of forthcoming AI Summit and United Nations Oceans Conference, both to be hosted in France in 2025.

two leers also exchanged views on key global and regional issues. y emphasised that a strong and trusted Strategic Partnership between India and France is crucial for a stable and prosperous global order and agreed to work closely to make it scale greater heights.

two leers last met in January when French President visited India to attend 75th Republic Day of India.

During ir last meeting, two leers reaffirmed ir shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership, outlined in Horizon 2047 and or documents from July 2023 Summit.

Horizon 2047 Romap sets an ambitious and bro-ranging course for bilateral relationship for 2047, centenary year of India’s independence.

Modi is attending 50th G7 Summit on invitation of Italian President Georgia Meloni and will dress an Outreach session on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and Mediterranean alongside leers of or invited countries and Pope Francis.