G7 Summit: PM Modi, Macron agree to deepen defence cooperation with focus on 'Make in India'

PM Modi and President Macron reaffirm India-France strategic partnership, focusing on defence, technology, and the 'Make in India' initiative during the G7 Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to strengthen strategic defence cooperation, placing a strong emphasis on India's 'Make in India' initiative. This agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, held at the Borgo Egnazia resort in Apulia, Italy, from June 13-15, 2024.

India and France have maintained a close strategic partnership, particularly in the fields of security and defence. The current discussions are part of ongoing negotiations for India to acquire 26 Rafale jets for the Indian Navy, following a 2016 deal in which India purchased 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force, valued at €7.87 billion.

Prime Minister Modi arrived at Brindisi Airport in Apulia on Thursday night, where he was received by India's Ambassador to Italy, VRao, and other officials. Expressing his anticipation for productive discussions, PM Modi is attending the G7 Summit as an outreach country at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

During the summit, PM Modi held meetings with several world leaders, including President Macron, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Notably, this marks PM Modi's fourth meeting with President Macron within a year, underlining the importance both leaders place on strong India-France relations.

Their discussions covered various topics such as defence, security, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Blue Economy. They also explored ways to foster innovation and research among the youth. PM Modi conveyed his best wishes to President Macron for the upcoming Paris Olympics, set to begin next month.

The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the two leaders reviewed the 'Horizon 2047' Roadmap and the Indo-Pacific Roadmap, focusing on cooperation in defence, nuclear energy, space exploration, education, climate action, digital public infrastructure, connectivity, and cultural initiatives like the National Museum partnership. They agreed to intensify strategic defence cooperation with a particular focus on the 'Make in India' initiative.

Additionally, PM Modi and President Macron agreed to expand cooperation in AI, critical and emerging technologies, energy, and sports. They committed to working closely on upcoming global events, including the AI Summit and the United Nations Oceans Conference, both scheduled to be hosted in France in 2025.

The leaders also exchanged views on significant global and regional issues, emphasizing that a strong and trusted strategic partnership between India and France is vital for a stable and prosperous global order. They committed to elevating their partnership to new heights.

This visit to Italy for the G7 Summit marks PM Modi's first trip abroad after assuming office for the third consecutive term. The Prime Minister's Office noted that this trip underscores the significance of India's engagement with global leaders and its commitment to strengthening international partnerships.

PM Modi's engagement at the G7 Summit highlights India's active role in global discussions and its efforts to enhance bilateral ties with key strategic partners like France.