In French President Emmanuel Macron's maiden visit to India, both the countries strengthened their cord by inking 14 pacts in key areas of defence, security, nuclear energy, and protection of classified information along with resolving to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreements were signed after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Macron, that included the topic of changing security dynamics in the Indian Ocean and Pacific.
The signed pacts include reciprocal logistic support between the armed forces of the countries, and protection of classified or protected information. “Our defence cooperation is very strong and we consider France among the most trusted defence partners,” Modi said at a joint press address. He said the pact on reciprocal logistic support between the armed forces was a “golden step” in defence relations. Modi stated that both sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation in ensuring freedom of navigation overflight as Indian Ocean will play a key role in ensuring regional peace and stability.
Macron, on the other hand, talked about the Scorpene submarine project for the Indian Navy and the fighter jet deal for the Air Force. He said, “India had made a sovereign decision in this respect (Rafale Fighter Jet) and we are monitoring the progress in the field. We very much want to continue the programme. It is a long-term contract which is mutually beneficial. I personally consider it as the heart of the strategic partnership.” A government-to-government deal was signed by India with France in 2016, to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of approximately Rs 58,000 Crore.
“The values of liberty, equality, and fraternity echo not just in France but are also deeply enshrined in India's Constitution as well,” Modi said. Macron reiterated the feeling by saying, “The trust that we share is protecting us as our interests are aligned. We want India as our first strategic partner here, and we want to be India's first strategic partner in Europe, and even in the western world.”
