How Did India and France Strengthen Strategic Ties on Bastille Day?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India and France are deepening their strategic partnership.
- Both nations are committed to the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
- Cooperation spans defence, security, and technology.
- Future events like the India-France Year of Innovation are planned.
- The partnership is built on trust and shared ambitions.
Paris, July 14 (NationPress) On this Bastille Day, Jean-Noel Barrot, France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, underscored the strengthening strategic partnership between India and France. He expressed his gratitude to External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar for extending warm greetings to the French government and its citizens.
In a statement on X, Barrot remarked, "Thank you dear Dr. S. Jaishankar. France and India share a bond of trust, fueled by common ambitions. Let’s continue to enhance our strategic partnership!"
Earlier that day, EAM Jaishankar conveyed his heartfelt wishes to FM Barrot, the French government, and its people on their National Day.
"Our strategic partnership is evolving and expanding," stated the EAM.
Last month, Jaishankar visited France to reinforce the enduring strategic ties between the two nations.
During this visit, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron, delivering warm regards from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and acknowledging France’s strong backing in India's fight against terrorism.
Both nations pledged to fully actualize the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and the Defence Industrial Roadmap, which were established between the two leaders. Their discussions highlighted the profound trust, comfort, and shared aspirations that define India-France relations.
During the visit from June 11 to 14, which followed PM Modi’s attendance at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in France, EAM Jaishankar engaged in extensive bilateral talks with his counterpart, Barrot.
The ministers evaluated and commended the advancements in India-France cooperation across various strategic domains, including defence, security, space, counter-terrorism, and global challenges.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral collaboration across emerging sectors such as technology, innovation, trade, investment, health, life sciences, education, talent mobility, museum cooperation, and people-to-people ties, while also discussing new opportunities to further enhance their partnership.
In this context, both ministers are eager to celebrate the India-France Year of Innovation next year, which is expected to add a significant dimension to their relationship.
Moreover, EAM Jaishankar expressed sincere appreciation for the French government’s condolences regarding the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12.