French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai. This three-day visit emphasizes strengthening defense, trade, and technology cooperation between India and France.
Agreements and Collaborations
During their bilateral meeting, close to a dozen agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed. These agreements will cover various fields, including:
- Defense
- Trade
- Skilling
- Health
- Supply chains
Moreover, the leaders will inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation at the iconic Gateway of India. This initiative aims to promote cultural commemoration and innovation until 2026.
Defense Initiatives
In a significant move, the Indian government recently approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework. Additionally, the sixth Annual Defence Dialogue will take place in Bengaluru, focusing on renewing the defense cooperation agreement for another decade.
The discussions will also address enhanced collaboration involving air and maritime assets. This aligns with the ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap, which was agreed upon in 2024.
Global and Regional Issues
Both leaders will deliberate on various pressing global matters. Topics will likely include the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in Gaza, and developments in the Indo-Pacific region. India considers France a key partner in these areas, especially in light of the current uncertainties regarding the Quad partnership.
The Horizon 2047 Roadmap
Macron and Modi will discuss advancing bilateral cooperation as outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. This strategic framework was adopted three years ago and aims to guide India-France relations for the next 25 years.
Macron’s participation in the AI summit is another highlight of this visit. Last year, he and Modi jointly co-chaired a similar summit in France, emphasizing their commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence for societal benefits.
Both leaders are also expected to review the progress made on the India-France Roadmap concerning AI. This roadmap, launched during Modi’s visit to France, focuses on developing artificial intelligence systems that are safe, open, and trustworthy.
