Series of pacts sealed as Modi & Macron hold talks in Paris, outline ‘bold, ambitious goals’

A host of initiatives, sources said, are on the table including a “roadmap for bilateral relations till 2047, with three pillars: partnership for security and sovereignty ; partnership for the planet; partnership for the people”.

Sources said a new roadmap for joint actions in the Indo-Pacific, including the Pacific region is expected to be discussed.

Possible outcomes on defence deals, accelerating cooperation on co-development of advanced technologies are likely to be discussed.

The two leaders are expected to discuss procurement of 26 French-made Rafale M fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy as well as three more Scorpene-class submarines. India has already purchased 36 Rafale for the Indian Air Force, three of which flew over Paris during Friday’s parade to mark Bastille Day.

The two leaders are also going to take stock of progress on the Jaitapur nuclear power project, and a decision to initiate cooperation on modular reactors is also going to be discussed.

The opening of a Consulate of India in Marseille, and of a Bureau de France in Hyderabad is likely to be discussed.

In the space sector, a decision to strengthen dialogue on space security issues is expected.

“Agreements between ISRO and its French counterpart on the next joint earth observation satellite (Trishna), first phase of maritime surveillance programme, protection of our joint satellites from collision risks in orbit” will be discussed, sources said.

On global environmental issues, a strong Indo-French call to eliminate single-use plastic is likely to figure at the talks.

Also on the agenda is “development finance”, which would mean 100 million Euros for City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0) and 50 million USD for climate projects and women’s empowerment in micro-finance, sources said.

On students, sources said an automatic 5-year short stay visa for Indian alumni from French universities who hold a Master’s degree is expected to be discussed. Prime Minister Modi had indicated this in his speech Thursday night. A MoU between two IITs and a top French university is expected.

On culture, a partnership for India’s new National Museum project will be discussed.

Besides, various bilateral agreements on health, digital technology, sports, oceanic research are also on the table.

Sources said that since the Prime Minister’s visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, the vision statement will be an opportunity to chart the way for the next 25 years, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of India’s independence in 2047.

After the bilateral talks at the Elysee Palace, the two leaders will also meet the India-France CEOs Forum at the French Foreign Ministry, which will be attended by top business executives from Indian and French companies.

Modi will be hosted by Macron at the Louvre museum for a State banquet.

Earlier in the day, Modi joined Macron for the Bastille Day parade as the Guest of Honour with an Indian tri-services marching contingent participating in the French National Day celebrations on Champs-Elysees.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, a 241-member Indian tri-services contingent led by a military band took part. The Indian Army contingent was led by the Punjab Regiment, along with the Rajputana Rifles Regiment.

Rafale jets of the Indian Air Force, from the 101 Squadron from Hasimara, formed part of the flypast during the parade.

July 14 marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789 during the French revolution, which symbolises the democratic values of ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’, the central theme of the Indian and French Constitutions.

In a Twitter post, Modi said, “India, inspired by its centuries old ethos, is committed to doing everything possible to make our planet peaceful, prosperous and sustainable. 1.4 billion Indians will always be grateful to France for being a strong and trusted partner. May the bond deepen even further!”.

Taking to Twitter, Macron said, “A giant in world history, with a decisive role to play in the future, a strategic partner, a friend. We are proud to welcome India as our guest of honour at the 14 July parade.”

“This 14 July, soldiers and Rafale aircraft from India are marching and flying alongside our troops,” he wrote.

“We honour the memory of those who fought with the French in the First World War. We shall never forget,” the French President said.

On Thursday night, Prime Minister Modi, who was hosted by President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron for a private dinner at the Elysee Palace, was conferred the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian and military honour. He is the first Indian PM to be accorded this honour.

“It is with great humility that I accept the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. This is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank President Emmanuel Macron, the French Government and people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection towards India and resolve for furthering friendship with our nation,” Modi said.