Modi-Macron call for humanitarian ceasefire for flow of aid to Gaza

On the civilian nuclear cooperation in the context of the proposed nuclear power plant at Jaitapur, they have agreed to convene a special task force on nuclear energy within three months in the framework of the Indo-French Strategic Dialogue.

The two sides have also formalised cooperation between National Security Guard (NSG) troops and their French counterpart, Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN).

Though there was no announcement on Rafale jets for the Indian Navy, talks have made progress on the maintenance, repair, and operation of Rafale engines.

These are some of the key takeaways from the joint statement that was issued late Friday night, as Macron wrapped up his trip with a visit to Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi. He was the Chief Guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations and met the top Indian leadership over two days.

On the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the joint statement read, “Both leaders strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October and expressed solidarity with the people of Israel. Condemning the huge loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict, they emphasised the need to respect international humanitarian law and to create conditions, including through a humanitarian ceasefire, for aid to flow to the affected population in the Gaza region. Both leaders also called for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The two leaders reaffirmed that a political process leading to a two-state solution for the Israeli and Palestinian people is required for lasting peace and stability in the region.”

“They also expressed grave concern at the possibility of further expansion of the conflict in the region, including in the Red Sea, which already has a significant economic impact in the world. They recalled the utmost importance of upholding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and of respecting the international law of the sea. They had detailed conversation aimed at coordinating their efforts in that region in this regard,” the joint statement said.

On the Russia-Ukraine war, it said, “They expressed deep concern over the war in Ukraine and its tragic humanitarian consequences. They underscored the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, and consistent with the principles of the UN Charter. They underscored the growing impact of this war on the global economic system and food security, with consequences predominantly affecting developing and least developed countries.”

On the civil nuclear cooperation, the joint statement said, “Prime Minister Modi and President Macron stressed that nuclear energy is an essential part of the energy mix for strengthening energy security and transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. Both leaders acknowledged the India-France civil nuclear ties and efforts in cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, notably in relation with the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project. They agree to convene a special task force on nuclear energy within three months in the framework of the Indo-French Strategic Dialogue.”

On the counter-terrorism cooperation, the two leaders appreciated the growing India-France counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation, including through the mechanism of their Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism. “They welcomed the formalisation of cooperation between the National Security Guard (NSG) of India and the Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN) for agency-level cooperation in the field of Counterterrorism,” it said.

Lauding the all-round progress in defence and security partnership, which is a principal pillar of the partnership and a source of strengthening the countries’ sovereignty and strategic autonomy, and for advancing peace in the region, the joint statement read that it extends from intelligence and information exchange to exercises and equipment and across all domains from the seabed to space.

“In a reflection of the deep mutual trust and confidence between the two countries, and drawing strength from their decades-old cooperation in advanced technologies,” the joint statement said that Macron and Modi reiterated their commitment to deepen the integration between the two nations’ respective defence industrial sectors and to work together to “identify opportunities for co-design, co-development, co-production with the objective of not only fulfilling the defence needs of the Indian armed forces, but also of providing a viable and reliable source of defence supplies to other friendly countries”.

“They noted that defence industrial collaboration, especially from the design stage, not only creates quality jobs for the youth and advances Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, but also supports a broader progress in scientific, technological, digital and material sciences fields to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat for 2047. Towards this end, the two leaders welcomed the adoption of an ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap,” it said.

In the broader context of the ambitious collaboration, and as more detailed in the industrial roadmap, the joint statement said that they welcomed the progress in the establishment of the MRO (Maintenance, Research and Operations) for LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engines in India by Safran and the plans to add MRO for Rafale engines, a comprehensive helicopter partnership with a joint venture for IMRH engine between HAL and Safran, and the Scorpene submarines constructed in India, including indigenisation.

“They also welcomed the discussions between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA), and intend to conclude an Arrangement MoU in an early timeframe,” it said.

Recalling the two countries’ partnership over six decades in space, the two leaders welcomed the establishment of the Strategic Space Dialogue, launched in June 2023 to provide strategic guidance and direction across all aspects of space cooperation, it said.

“They rededicated themselves to further expanding space cooperation for the benefit of their countries, humanity and the planet, including through co-development, manufacture and launch of satellites and payloads, research in new launch vehicle technologies and reusable launch vehicles and connecting the startups and users in both countries,” it said, adding that Modi and Macron welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent on Defence Space Cooperation.