French President Emmanuel said on Saturday (Mar 16) that Russia would be asked to observe a ceasefire in war-torn Ukraine during the Paris Olympics. In an interview with a Ukrainian journalist, French President Macron said, "The demand for a ceasefire during the Olympics. They (the Russians) must do this. That is what has always happened."

Russia-Ukraine war: French President Macron says France has no limits in helping Ukraine

<p>Before President Emmanuel Macron’s nearly 32-hour visit to India (25–26 January 2024) began, some observers agonised opining that the journey would be merely symbolic. They need not have worried! A careful assessment of the deliberations and outcomes of the visit shows that it was rich both in symbolism and substance. It demonstrated that frequent meetings between the top leaders create a special momentum for the ministers, officials and others to keep achieving more thus making the India-France engagement special and unique in many respects. The two nations have become “kindred souls on the global stage,” as a former Indian diplomat put it aptly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What drives them?</strong></p>

<p>Macron visited India to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. This was the sixth time a French leader was accorded this honour. Macron was on his third visit to India. It came six months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France where he was the guest of honour at the Bastille Day Parade, the French national festival. Indian troops marched on the Champs-Élysées in Paris then; now it was the turn of the French troops to show their skills on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, with the two Rafales and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft participating in the aerial show. All this combined to indicate how close France and India have become – emotionally, politically, diplomatically, and strategically. What else explains India's last-minute invitation to the French president (when the US president declined to come for reasons still unclear) and Macron’s swift and graceful acceptance?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | French President Macron enjoys Qawwali at Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi</strong></p>

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<p>India regards France as a trusted friend and partner, a key member of the Western alliance that adopts a perspective different from that of the Anglo-Saxon world. France views India “as a major, responsible power,” observed Thierry Mathou, the French ambassador in India, “that has a key role &nbsp;in bridging divides and advancing solutions to global challenges.” The two nations’ shared worldview, and inclination to anchor their foreign policies in multiple partnerships while safeguarding their ‘strategic autonomy’ act as a strong adhesive.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Triple dimensions&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The uniqueness of the Indo-French friendship was established again last July when their leaders articulated a combined vision of the relationship for 2047, which will mark the centenary of India's independence and 50 years of the strategic partnership established in 1998. Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations is a must-read document for all students and observers of foreign policy because India has not signed a similar pact with any other nation. Nor has France. Its portrayal of the partnership from three different but interrelated angles – security and sovereignty, planet, and people – sheds light on the entire spectrum of motivations and ideas shaping their cooperation. “Through this ambitious roadmap,” stated the two governments, “the India-France Strategic Partnership will further diversify into new areas of cooperation while also deepening existing programmes of shared interests.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-macron-says-france-will-welcome-30000-indian-students-by-2030-683750">France will welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, President Macron announces</a></strong></p>

<p>Horizons 2047 is a reliable yardstick to evaluate the result of President Marcon’s latest visit, keeping in mind its global, regional and bilateral dimensions. The visit produced nine bilateral agreements, seven key announcements, and a 41-para ‘Joint Statement’. It reflected the arduous work of several months, not just a few hours. Summing it up, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra noted that the tangible gains demonstrated that the visit was “very heavy in terms of substantive outcomes as also the richness of discussions between the two leaders.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>On global issues, the two sides revealed a substantial convergence. In their view, India's G20 presidency was a success that enhanced the forum’s inclusive and representative character and strengthened its role in advancing an inclusive global agenda. France “commended” India's offer to host COP33 in 2028. The French support for India's candidacy for the International Energy Agency was affirmed. The two leaders agreed on a comprehensive dialogue on global issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, and increased cooperation in biodiversity and desertification. They reiterated their call for reform and effective multilateralism.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-gifts-replica-of-ram-temple-to-french-president-emmanuel-macron-683693">Indian PM Modi gifts replica of Ram Temple to French President Emmanuel Macron</a></strong></p>

<p>Concerning regional conflicts with global implications, a solid discussion took place on all the current challenges. As regards Ukraine, they expressed “deep concern” over the continuation of the war and called for “a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.” They were clear that the Israel-Gaza conflict now needed “a humanitarian ceasefire” as well as an immediate release of all hostages. They stood for a political process that led to a two-state solution, the only path for lasting peace and stability in the region. They were concerned about the complex situation in the Red Sea and advocated upholding the freedom of navigation and respecting the international law of the sea. They also reiterated their “unequivocal condemnation” of terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism.”</p>

<p>As expected, the Indo-Pacific received their pointed attention in both its theatres – the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. They decided to intensify their cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean, building on past joint surveillance success and interactions, including in “India's maritime neighbourhood.” This seems to be in the context of the Chinese Navy’s increased presence around Sri Lanka and Maldives. Another interesting point related to the early operationalization of the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund for the purpose of scaling up green technologies that are being developed in the region. A shared interest and the need for coordination were noted concerning the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) which was announced last September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the bilateral plane, several new decisions were taken to augment the quantum of cooperation in the realms of defense, space, digital technology, the Blue Economy, and youth mobility. France plans to encourage an increase in the number of Indian students from 11,000 to 30,000 in French institutions in the coming years. Among the agreements signed, the roadmap for industrial defence partnership and related documents may be of considerable significance. The plan is for the co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence products not only for India but also for other friendly countries. The partnership in space would also be expanded.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>President Macron and Prime Minister Modi hailed the India-France partnership as having “great importance for our people and for the causes that are critical for the future of our world and our planet.” Hence a decision was announced by them to hold “Annual Summits, including during multilateral summits” to drive “closer cooperation” between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In short, the Macron visit highlighted the unique partnership in all its vital and colourful dimensions, visible bonhomie between the two leaders, and a close and growing connection between their peoples. India’s President Droupadi Murmu expressed confidence that the comfort of the India-France friendship and the strength of their partnership would “illuminate the path forward.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>


Before President Emmanuel Macron’s nearly 32-hour visit to India (25–26 January 2024) began, some observers agonised opining that the journey would be merely symbolic.

Before President Emmanuel Macron’s nearly 32-hour visit to India (25–26 January 2024) began, some observers agonised opining that the journey would be merely symbolic. They need not have worried! A careful assessment of the deliberations and outcomes of the visit shows that it was rich both in symbolism and substance. It demonstrated that frequent meetings between the top leaders create a special momentum for the ministers, officials and others to keep achieving more thus making the India-France engagement special and unique in many respects. The two nations have become “kindred souls on the global stage,” as a former Indian diplomat put it aptly. What drives them? Macron visited India to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. This was the sixth time a French leader was accorded this honour. Macron was on his third visit to India. It came six months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France where he was the guest of honour at the Bastille Day Parade, the French national festival. Indian troops marched on the Champs-Élysées in Paris then; now it was the turn of the French troops to show their skills on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, with the two Rafales and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft participating in the aerial show. All this combined to indicate how close France and India have become – emotionally, politically, diplomatically, and strategically. What else explains India's last-minute invitation to the French president (when the US president declined to come for reasons still unclear) and Macron’s swift and graceful acceptance? Watch | French President Macron enjoys Qawwali at Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi × India regards France as a trusted friend and partner, a key member of the Western alliance that adopts a perspective different from that of the Anglo-Saxon world. France views India “as a major, responsible power,” observed Thierry Mathou, the French ambassador in India, “that has a key role in bridging divides and advancing solutions to global challenges.” The two nations’ shared worldview, and inclination to anchor their foreign policies in multiple partnerships while safeguarding their ‘strategic autonomy’ act as a strong adhesive. Triple dimensions The uniqueness of the Indo-French friendship was established again last July when their leaders articulated a combined vision of the relationship for 2047, which will mark the centenary of India's independence and 50 years of the strategic partnership established in 1998. Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations is a must-read document for all students and observers of foreign policy because India has not signed a similar pact with any other nation. Nor has France. Its portrayal of the partnership from three different but interrelated angles – security and sovereignty, planet, and people – sheds light on the entire spectrum of motivations and ideas shaping their cooperation. “Through this ambitious roadmap,” stated the two governments, “the India-France Strategic Partnership will further diversify into new areas of cooperation while also deepening existing programmes of shared interests.” Also Read | France will welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, President Macron announces Horizons 2047 is a reliable yardstick to evaluate the result of President Marcon’s latest visit, keeping in mind its global, regional and bilateral dimensions. The visit produced nine bilateral agreements, seven key announcements, and a 41-para ‘Joint Statement’. It reflected the arduous work of several months, not just a few hours. Summing it up, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra noted that the tangible gains demonstrated that the visit was “very heavy in terms of substantive outcomes as also the richness of discussions between the two leaders.” On global issues, the two sides revealed a substantial convergence. In their view, India's G20 presidency was a success that enhanced the forum’s inclusive and representative character and strengthened its role in advancing an inclusive global agenda. France “commended” India's offer to host COP33 in 2028. The French support for India's candidacy for the International Energy Agency was affirmed. The two leaders agreed on a comprehensive dialogue on global issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, and increased cooperation in biodiversity and desertification. They reiterated their call for reform and effective multilateralism. WATCH | Indian PM Modi gifts replica of Ram Temple to French President Emmanuel Macron Concerning regional conflicts with global implications, a solid discussion took place on all the current challenges. As regards Ukraine, they expressed “deep concern” over the continuation of the war and called for “a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.” They were clear that the Israel-Gaza conflict now needed “a humanitarian ceasefire” as well as an immediate release of all hostages. They stood for a political process that led to a two-state solution, the only path for lasting peace and stability in the region. They were concerned about the complex situation in the Red Sea and advocated upholding the freedom of navigation and respecting the international law of the sea. They also reiterated their “unequivocal condemnation” of terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism.” As expected, the Indo-Pacific received their pointed attention in both its theatres – the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. They decided to intensify their cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean, building on past joint surveillance success and interactions, including in “India's maritime neighbourhood.” This seems to be in the context of the Chinese Navy’s increased presence around Sri Lanka and Maldives. Another interesting point related to the early operationalization of the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund for the purpose of scaling up green technologies that are being developed in the region. A shared interest and the need for coordination were noted concerning the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) which was announced last September. On the bilateral plane, several new decisions were taken to augment the quantum of cooperation in the realms of defense, space, digital technology, the Blue Economy, and youth mobility. France plans to encourage an increase in the number of Indian students from 11,000 to 30,000 in French institutions in the coming years. Among the agreements signed, the roadmap for industrial defence partnership and related documents may be of considerable significance. The plan is for the co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence products not only for India but also for other friendly countries. The partnership in space would also be expanded. Conclusion President Macron and Prime Minister Modi hailed the India-France partnership as having “great importance for our people and for the causes that are critical for the future of our world and our planet.” Hence a decision was announced by them to hold “Annual Summits, including during multilateral summits” to drive “closer cooperation” between the two countries. In short, the Macron visit highlighted the unique partnership in all its vital and colourful dimensions, visible bonhomie between the two leaders, and a close and growing connection between their peoples. India’s President Droupadi Murmu expressed confidence that the comfort of the India-France friendship and the strength of their partnership would “illuminate the path forward.” (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

President Macron’s India visit: A synthesis of symbolism and substance

Gabriel Attal was named Tuesday as France’s youngest-ever prime minister, as President Emmanuel Macron seeks a fresh start for the rest of his term amid growing political pressure from the far right. Macron’s office announced the appointment in a statement. Attal, 34, rose to prominence as the government spokesman and education minister.

French President Macron appoints 34-year-old Gabriel Attal as Prime Minister

The US President Joe Biden had his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron hail the essential Washington and Paris ties. Watch this video to know more.

US, France can 'Succeed Together, Not Against Each Other', says Macron

Macron, Biden pledge to hold Russia accountable for 'war crimes'

French President's US visit; Emmanuel Macron is in US for first state visit hosted by Joe Biden. Watch the video to know more about the news.

French President Emmanuel Macron visits NASA with Kamala Harris as US tour starts

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he would provide arms to Egypt regardless of their human rights track record.</p>

<p>The president added that he does not want to weaken Egypt’s ability to fight terrorism in the region, even if the country continues to flout global human rights dictates.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hope-france-gets-rid-of-macron-burden-soon-says-erdogan-347667/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"I will not condition matters of defence and economic cooperation on these disagreements (over human rights)," Macron said during a joint press conference.<br />
<br />
He was speaking at a conference where he met President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The two leaders held talks in the Elysee Palace.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/i-hope-france-will-get-rid-of-macron-says-turkey-president-erdogan-347552" hreflang="en">I hope France will get rid of Macron, says Turkey President Erdogan</a><br />
<br />
"It is more effective to have a policy of demanding dialogue than a boycott which would only reduce the effectiveness of one our partners in the fight against terrorism," he added.</p>

<p>Earlier today, France welcomed Sisi with a Cavalry parade in Paris. France perceived Egypt as a force against Islamist militants in the peninsula of Sinai and in Libya.</p>

<p>Macron also alluded to the right to asylum.</p>

<p>"I will defend the right to asylum, until the end. The right to asylum means protecting those fighting for freedom, wherever they come from”, he said to Brut.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/amid-erdogan-macron-row-eu-ponders-over-turkey-dilemma-347319" hreflang="en">Amid Erdogan, Macron row, EU ponders over Turkey dilemma</a></p>

<p>"We will always protect the right to asylum. But at present, the right to asylum is being twisted by trafficking networks, and you have a lot of people coming who will never have the right to asylum because they don't come from a place where they are under threat or where there is political conflict. But in some way, it is circumventing the right to asylum to help illegal migration channels. We need to stop this. If not, we will always be overwhelmed”, he said.</p>

<p>France added that an end to the abuse of the right to asylum by human traffickers is required.</p>


French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he would provide arms to Egypt regardless of their human rights track record. The president added that he does not want to weaken Egypt’s ability to fight terrorism in the region, even if the country continues to flout global human rights dictates.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he would provide arms to Egypt regardless of their human rights track record. The president added that he does not want to weaken Egypt’s ability to fight terrorism in the region, even if the country continues to flout global human rights dictates. "I will not condition matters of defence and economic cooperation on these disagreements (over human rights)," Macron said during a joint press conference. He was speaking at a conference where he met President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The two leaders held talks in the Elysee Palace. Also read: I hope France will get rid of Macron, says Turkey President Erdogan "It is more effective to have a policy of demanding dialogue than a boycott which would only reduce the effectiveness of one our partners in the fight against terrorism," he added. Earlier today, France welcomed Sisi with a Cavalry parade in Paris. France perceived Egypt as a force against Islamist militants in the peninsula of Sinai and in Libya. Macron also alluded to the right to asylum. "I will defend the right to asylum, until the end. The right to asylum means protecting those fighting for freedom, wherever they come from”, he said to Brut. Also read: Amid Erdogan, Macron row, EU ponders over Turkey dilemma "We will always protect the right to asylum. But at present, the right to asylum is being twisted by trafficking networks, and you have a lot of people coming who will never have the right to asylum because they don't come from a place where they are under threat or where there is political conflict. But in some way, it is circumventing the right to asylum to help illegal migration channels. We need to stop this. If not, we will always be overwhelmed”, he said. France added that an end to the abuse of the right to asylum by human traffickers is required.

France will sell arms to Egypt despite human rights track record: Macron

France has called for a cease fire in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to implemented under international supervision, this comes as latest tactics by French President Macron to challenge Turkish President Erdogan growing influence in the region. The weeks long stand out between Azerbaijan and Armenia has comes to an end. Azerbaijan is all set to take over the Armenian territory.

Erdogan-Macron spat over Karabakh Role

<p>France has become an easy target for upholding freedom of expression, Emmanuel Macron is paying the price for not believing in the politics of appeasement.</p>

<p>There are 6 million Muslims living in France, they make up more than 8 per cent of the French population which is the highest tally in the whole of Europe. France will hold its next general election in 2022.</p>

<p>Macron faces a vote in two years and he is a centrist liberal, if had he wanted, he could've used secularism as an excuse to appease French Muslims, use them as a votebank, secure his path to re-election but he has chosen not to because the threat of Islamic terrorism is real in France and it has been for a while. French Muslims know it including European governments as well as Islamic leaders.</p>

<p>However, most of them pretend not to because it suits their own one-sided narrative. They have reduced Macron's war with extremism into a narrow calculation of prejudice &amp; íslamophobia. Just look at what's happened in France in recent years. A total of 1,700 French nationals have joined the ISIS since 2013. Mosques &amp; Islamic institutes have been found receiving funds from Arab countries.</p>

<p>There have been attacks orchestrated by France's own Muslim citizens. In January 2015, Paris was rocked by a series of terror attacks as 17 people were killed. In November 2015, another series of coordinated terror attacks took place in Paris and the death toll was higher as 130 people lost their lives.</p>

<p>In January 2016, a man wearing an&nbsp;explosive belt attacked police officers in Paris and he was shot dead. In July 2016, two terrorists attacked a church in Normandy, an 86-year-old priest got killed.</p>

<p>In the same month, in July 2016, a Tunisian resident of France drove a 19-tonne cargo truck into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day killing 86 innocent people.</p>

<p>There is more, the 2017 airport attack, the 2017 Champs-Elysees attack, the 2018 Paris knife attack, the 2018 Strasbourg shooting and then in 2020 in the last 10 months - a total of seven major terror attacks have taken place in France. They range from the ramming of cars to the stabbing of policemen to the beheading of a middle-school teacher.</p>

<p>When Emmanuel Macron says that Islam is a religion in crisis. He has a point, Muslim dominated areas in France have become increasingly polarised. Some experts consider these specific areas to be "the lost territories of the republic". Territories where government control is weak, territories where Islamic laws &amp; customs prevail and extremism thrives.</p>

<p>What Emmanuel Macron is doing is to bring back these territories in control, curb Islamic extremism and put an end to acts of terror once and for all. He has proposed new laws, he wants to push religion out of education. He wants to push religion out of the public sector and wants to rein in the radicals, make Islam more compatible with the French constitution and at the same time he wants French citizens to have the freedom to blaspheme.</p>

<p>He wants to ensure freedom of press &amp; freedom of expression. Macron's message is simple - constitution above religion and all citizens equal by law.</p>

<p>"I am asking each citizen, whether they follow a religion or not, to absolutely respect all of the laws of the republic. and there is in this radical Islam, since this is what the issue is, let's take it on board and let's name it, there is a will, a demand, an organized method to go against the laws of the republic and create a parallel order based on other values, developing a separatist society first off with the goal of ultimately taking total control and that's what they are doing, gradually, by rejecting the freedom of expression, freedom of thought, the right to blasphemy, which can insidiously move towards radicalisation," the French president said.</p>

<p>Radical Islam poses a major challenge to French society and to all societies. Macron is only pushing for laws to craft a French version of Islam - a version that is compatible with his country’s laws and values instead of trolling him, the world must support him because who knows which country, which government and which leader will have to take similar steps tomorrow.</p>


France has become an easy target for upholding freedom of expression, Emmanuel Macron is paying the price for not believing in the politics of appeasement. There are 6 million Muslims living in France, they make up more than 8 per cent of the French population which is the highest tally in the whole of Europe.

France has become an easy target for upholding freedom of expression, Emmanuel Macron is paying the price for not believing in the politics of appeasement. There are 6 million Muslims living in France, they make up more than 8 per cent of the French population which is the highest tally in the whole of Europe. France will hold its next general election in 2022. Macron faces a vote in two years and he is a centrist liberal, if had he wanted, he could've used secularism as an excuse to appease French Muslims, use them as a votebank, secure his path to re-election but he has chosen not to because the threat of Islamic terrorism is real in France and it has been for a while. French Muslims know it including European governments as well as Islamic leaders. However, most of them pretend not to because it suits their own one-sided narrative. They have reduced Macron's war with extremism into a narrow calculation of prejudice & íslamophobia. Just look at what's happened in France in recent years. A total of 1,700 French nationals have joined the ISIS since 2013. Mosques & Islamic institutes have been found receiving funds from Arab countries. There have been attacks orchestrated by France's own Muslim citizens. In January 2015, Paris was rocked by a series of terror attacks as 17 people were killed. In November 2015, another series of coordinated terror attacks took place in Paris and the death toll was higher as 130 people lost their lives. In January 2016, a man wearing an explosive belt attacked police officers in Paris and he was shot dead. In July 2016, two terrorists attacked a church in Normandy, an 86-year-old priest got killed. In the same month, in July 2016, a Tunisian resident of France drove a 19-tonne cargo truck into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day killing 86 innocent people. There is more, the 2017 airport attack, the 2017 Champs-Elysees attack, the 2018 Paris knife attack, the 2018 Strasbourg shooting and then in 2020 in the last 10 months - a total of seven major terror attacks have taken place in France. They range from the ramming of cars to the stabbing of policemen to the beheading of a middle-school teacher. When Emmanuel Macron says that Islam is a religion in crisis. He has a point, Muslim dominated areas in France have become increasingly polarised. Some experts consider these specific areas to be "the lost territories of the republic". Territories where government control is weak, territories where Islamic laws & customs prevail and extremism thrives. What Emmanuel Macron is doing is to bring back these territories in control, curb Islamic extremism and put an end to acts of terror once and for all. He has proposed new laws, he wants to push religion out of education. He wants to push religion out of the public sector and wants to rein in the radicals, make Islam more compatible with the French constitution and at the same time he wants French citizens to have the freedom to blaspheme. He wants to ensure freedom of press & freedom of expression. Macron's message is simple - constitution above religion and all citizens equal by law. "I am asking each citizen, whether they follow a religion or not, to absolutely respect all of the laws of the republic. and there is in this radical Islam, since this is what the issue is, let's take it on board and let's name it, there is a will, a demand, an organized method to go against the laws of the republic and create a parallel order based on other values, developing a separatist society first off with the goal of ultimately taking total control and that's what they are doing, gradually, by rejecting the freedom of expression, freedom of thought, the right to blasphemy, which can insidiously move towards radicalisation," the French president said. Radical Islam poses a major challenge to French society and to all societies. Macron is only pushing for laws to craft a French version of Islam - a version that is compatible with his country’s laws and values instead of trolling him, the world must support him because who knows which country, which government and which leader will have to take similar steps tomorrow.

Why Macron is paying the price for not believing in politics of appeasement

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/macron-takes-dig-at-trump-hails-indias-efforts-35402" target="_blank">French President Macron takes dig at Trump, hails India&#39;s efforts at making International Solar Alliance a reality</a></p>

<p>Taking a swipe at US President Donald Trump for backing out of Paris climate agreement, French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the efforts of India, along with other nations, for making International Solar Alliance (ISA) a reality.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/35000-farmers-reach-mumbai-to-stage-protest-against-maharashtra-govt-35389" target="_blank">35,000 farmers reach Mumbai demanding loan waiver</a></p>

<p>Over&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-30000-farmers-marching-from-nashik-demanding-farm-loan-waiver-to-reach-mumbai-today-35356" target="_blank">35,000 farmers have reached Mumbai on Sunday&nbsp;</a>to stage protest against the Maharashtra government demanding a complete loan waiver.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/vandals-attack-muslim-owned-restaurant-in-sri-lanka-35395" target="_blank">Vandals attack Muslim-owned restaurant in Sri Lanka</a></p>

<p>In an alleged case of &quot;hate crime&quot;, police said vandals attacked a Muslim-owned restaurant in Sri Lanka on Sunday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-bypolls-gorakhpur-voter-turnout-reaches-43-phulpur-38-by-5-pm-35404" target="_blank">Uttar Pradesh Bypolls: Gorakhpur voter turnout reaches 43%, Phulpur 38% by 5 pm</a></p>

<p>Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a polling percentage of around 43 per cent while Phulpur saw a turnout of around 38 per cent till 5 pm today, Election Commission sources said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-parliament-abolishes-presidential-term-limits-35382" target="_blank">China&#39;s parliament abolishes presidential term limit, Xi Jinping could stay in power for life</a></p>

<p>China&#39;s Xi Jinping on Sunday secured a path to rule indefinitely as parliament abolished presidential term limits, handing him almost total authority to pursue a vision of transforming the nation into an economic and military superpower.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


French President Macron takes dig at Trump, hails India's efforts at making International Solar Alliance a reality Taking a swipe at US President Donald Trump for backing out of Paris climate agreement, French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the efforts of India, along with other nations, for making International Solar Alliance (ISA) a reality. 35,000 farmers reach Mumbai demanding loan waiver Over 35,000 farmers have reached Mumbai on Sunday to stage protest against the Maharashtra government demanding a complete loan waiver. Vandals attack Muslim-owned restaurant in Sri Lanka In an alleged case of "hate crime", police said vandals attacked a Muslim-owned restaurant in Sri Lanka on Sunday. Uttar Pradesh Bypolls: Gorakhpur voter turnout reaches 43%, Phulpur 38% by 5 pm Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a polling percentage of around 43 per cent while Phulpur saw a turnout of around 38 per cent till 5 pm today, Election Commission sources said. China's parliament abolishes presidential term limit, Xi Jinping could stay in power for life China's Xi Jinping on Sunday secured a path to rule indefinitely as parliament abolished presidential term limits, handing him almost total authority to pursue a vision of transforming the nation into an economic and military superpower.

WION Evening News brief, March 11, 2018

<p>Ahead of the International Solar Alliance, Prime Minister Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind welcomed the heads of various governments participating in the event.</p>

<p>The heads of the state were welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/pm%20modi%202-20180310031821.JPG" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>PM Modi meets President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou. (ANI)</p>
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<p>PM Narendra Modi meets President of Nauru, Baron Waqa. (ANI)</p>
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<p>PM Narendra Modi meets President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. (ANI)</p>
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<p>PM Modi meets Vice President of C&ocirc;te d&#39;Ivoire, Daniel Kablan Duncan. (ANI)</p>
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<p>PM Narendra Modi meets Prime Minister of Chad, Albert Pahimi Padack&eacute;. (ANI)</p>
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<p>Governor-General of Australia Peter Cosgrove &amp; his wife Lynne Cosgrove arrive at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (ANI)</p>
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<p>President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and PM Narendra Modi receive President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena. (ANI)</p>
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<p>President of Nauru, Baron Waqa being welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, PM Narendra Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. (ANI)</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and PM Narendra Modi receive President of France <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmmanuelMacron?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EmmanuelMacron</a> and his wife Brigitte Macron. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalSolarAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InternationalSolarAlliance</a> <a href="https://t.co/KvaAL7ROUq">pic.twitter.com/KvaAL7ROUq</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind welcomed the heads of various governments participating in the International solar alliance

Ahead of the International Solar Alliance, Prime Minister Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind welcomed the heads of various governments participating in the event. The heads of the state were welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. PM Modi meets President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou. (ANI) × PM Narendra Modi meets President of Nauru, Baron Waqa. (ANI) × PM Narendra Modi meets President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. (ANI) × PM Modi meets Vice President of Côte d'Ivoire, Daniel Kablan Duncan. (ANI) × PM Narendra Modi meets Prime Minister of Chad, Albert Pahimi Padacké. (ANI) × Governor-General of Australia Peter Cosgrove & his wife Lynne Cosgrove arrive at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (ANI) × President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and PM Narendra Modi receive President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena. (ANI) × President of Nauru, Baron Waqa being welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, PM Narendra Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. (ANI) × #WATCH: President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and PM Narendra Modi receive President of France #EmmanuelMacron and his wife Brigitte Macron. #InternationalSolarAlliance pic.twitter.com/KvaAL7ROUq — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2018 × #WATCH live from Delhi: Welcome ceremony for #InternationalSolarAlliance https://t.co/ySIDTK7G2k — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2018 ×

In pics: PM Modi, President Kovind host world leaders for International Solar Alliance

<p>French president Emmanuel Macron, who is on a four-day visit to India interacted with Indian students at New Delhi&#39;s Bikaner House.</p>

<p>The French president said there was a need for more exchange between the French and the Indian people and students and that he wanted most of the researchers from India to come to France.</p>

<p>&quot;I think we need more exchange between our people, our students. I want most of the researchers to come to France and I am happy to be here today,&quot; Emmanuel Macron said.</p>

<p>The French president said he wanted to double the number of Indian students coming to France.</p>

<p>&quot;I want to double the number of Indian students coming to France and also want to increase the number of French students going to India,&quot; President Macron said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> French President Emmanuel Macron interacts with students in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/tot34dVvrA">https://t.co/tot34dVvrA</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/972429694275436544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The French president said the countries were in the middle of a digital revolution and climate change and more speed was required.</p>

<p>&quot;We&#39;re in the middle of revolution on digital era and climate change. We need more speediness. What we need is a change in mindset, facilitate entrepreneurship, increase risk takers&#39; numbers. Artificial Intelligence is big game changer but you need to start it from the ground,&quot; the French President said.</p>

<p>President Macron told students that most of the issues on climate and terrorism were because of the short-term vision of most of the leaders who were &quot;greedy&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;Most of the issues we have today, on climate, on terrorism are because of the short-term vision of most of the leaders. They were greedy,&quot; the French President said.</p>

<p>Emmanuel Macron also met President Ramnath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Earlier on Saturday, India and France signed as many as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-france-sign-14-agreements-to-boost-bilateral-ties-35305">14 bilateral agreements</a> aimed at boosting ties at the Hyderabad House in the national capital.</p>

<p>According to reports, around 200 million euros of investments will be made in India.</p>

<p>A so-called &quot;Industrial Way Forward Agreement&quot; was signed between French utility EDF and India&#39;s NPCIL for the construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While issuing a joint statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two countries share a 20-year-old strategic partnership and have made efforts to strengthen people to people ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The French President, who is travelling with his wife Brigitte and delegation of businessmen and ministry officials, will tour India from March 9 to March 12.</p>

<p>Macron will also chair the International Solar Alliance (ISA) summit on Sunday.</p>

<p>He is also expected to make a visit to Taj Mahal and on Monday will head to Varanasi where he will be accompanied by PM Modi.</p>

<p>Macron last visited India in 2016 when he was invited to be the chief guest of Republic Day celebrations.</p>


The French president said there was a need for more exchange between the French and the Indian people and students and that he wanted most of the researchers from India to come to France

French president Emmanuel Macron, who is on a four-day visit to India interacted with Indian students at New Delhi's Bikaner House. The French president said there was a need for more exchange between the French and the Indian people and students and that he wanted most of the researchers from India to come to France. "I think we need more exchange between our people, our students. I want most of the researchers to come to France and I am happy to be here today," Emmanuel Macron said. The French president said he wanted to double the number of Indian students coming to France. "I want to double the number of Indian students coming to France and also want to increase the number of French students going to India," President Macron said. #WATCH French President Emmanuel Macron interacts with students in Delhi https://t.co/tot34dVvrA — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2018 × The French president said the countries were in the middle of a digital revolution and climate change and more speed was required. "We're in the middle of revolution on digital era and climate change. We need more speediness. What we need is a change in mindset, facilitate entrepreneurship, increase risk takers' numbers. Artificial Intelligence is big game changer but you need to start it from the ground," the French President said. President Macron told students that most of the issues on climate and terrorism were because of the short-term vision of most of the leaders who were "greedy". "Most of the issues we have today, on climate, on terrorism are because of the short-term vision of most of the leaders. They were greedy," the French President said. Emmanuel Macron also met President Ramnath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. Earlier on Saturday, India and France signed as many as 14 bilateral agreements aimed at boosting ties at the Hyderabad House in the national capital. According to reports, around 200 million euros of investments will be made in India. A so-called "Industrial Way Forward Agreement" was signed between French utility EDF and India's NPCIL for the construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur. While issuing a joint statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two countries share a 20-year-old strategic partnership and have made efforts to strengthen people to people ties. The French President, who is travelling with his wife Brigitte and delegation of businessmen and ministry officials, will tour India from March 9 to March 12. Macron will also chair the International Solar Alliance (ISA) summit on Sunday. He is also expected to make a visit to Taj Mahal and on Monday will head to Varanasi where he will be accompanied by PM Modi. Macron last visited India in 2016 when he was invited to be the chief guest of Republic Day celebrations.

Need for more exchange between students: President Macron

<p>When the global community started using the terminology &lsquo;Indo-Pacific&rsquo; instead of &lsquo;Asia &ndash;Pacific&rsquo;, it was not merely a change in terminology, but it indicated a global maritime security concern due to Chinese island grabbing adventures and luring smaller countries to establish military bases in Indian Ocean Region (IOR), besides South and East China Sea. Both the oceans exist as a single water body with few choke points separating them, but the term Indo-Pacific indicates the maritime shift with some signalling to resent Chinese over aggressive moves with additional bases in IOR (Increasing Pearls of the String) and incremental encroachment in South and East China Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The forthcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India towards this weekend is relevant in this context of Maritime security of IOR, besides other important expectations like nuclear cooperation and possible agreement between NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) and EDF (of France) on six nuclear reactors, helping out India in indigenisation and maintenance of reactors. France is a major exporter of planes including fighter planes, helicopters, packaged medicaments and cars for which India is an emerging market, and a major importer of oil for which security of Gulf is important. Hence, they have managed to have military bases in Abu Dhabi and Djibouti. In both cases, there is a natural convergence of interests between India and France. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Looking from French point of view, its volume of trade transhipments in Indo- Pacific region is very limited when compared to QUAD countries (U.S.A, Japan, India and Australia) hence its concerns are also expected to be limited. French stakes in IOR however, are relatively much higher; hence it holds military bases in Djibouti, Abu Dhabi and Reunion Islands to look after its real state, which includes ten islands as part of French overseas territory. This happens to be the maximum held by any country as overseas territory, including approximately 11 million sq. km of exclusive economic zone especially in the Mozambique Channel. &nbsp;France also has some assets in South Pacific, which it will like to secure in conjunction with Australia. The French interests, therefore, will be limited to IOR and later possibly South Pacific. It, therefore, has a limited congruence of security interests with QUAD, and may not be taking an anti-Chinese position, more so after the visit of President Macron there.</p>

<p>India should be looking at a strategic partnership with France, with formal agreements to allow India logistics access to French military bases and vice versa, in IOR for mutual security interest on lines of LEMOA&nbsp;(Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement). We should also be looking at architecture for intelligence sharing, anti-piracy and disaster relief measures. I do not visualise that France will walk into any anti-Chinese arrangement including anything related to QUAD; hence the talks would be within the bounds of bilateralism and IOR for the time being. Post-release White Paper of Australia on its National Security last year and US National Security Strategy recently, the maritime concerns of Australia also are inter-woven with India and IOR, and have become a global concern. An offer of negotiating for joint exercises with France and Australia in Indian Ocean to improve interoperability may not be a bad idea. The fact that France has a base in Abu Dhabi, and its security interests are converging with Indians, some mutually beneficial arrangements could be discussed for future trilateral negotiations.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
India has to deal with a new strategic dynamics in IOR with increasing Chinese footprints. China in few decades grew from Brown to Blue-water Naval status, knocking off first and second island chains, went on to island grabbing spree and now it continues to acquire as many bases in IOR as it can, to protect its maritime road and make its BRI succeed. The additional bases of China in IOR have limited capability in view of inadequate air power, and its aircraft carriers will still take quite sometimes to be able to be fully effective in IOR in comparison with Indian and other Navies operating there. Although Indian Navy is well poised to protect Indian interests in IOR, yet it needs to be seriously concerned with growing hostile capability and needs to take concrete steps in capacity building.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Towards this end, a strategic partnership with France to be able to use their military bases will serve our mutual interest. In fact, India itself should start looking for military bases at strategically crucial locations and offer similar facilities to French Navy. The French Defence equipment can also be looked at for capacity building. India should look beyond getting some islands in Seychelles and Mauritius to cut down reaction time with reciprocal facilities to France from our existing naval bases. With this as a backdrop, it will be interesting to see how far France is ready to sail with India in IOR. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;</em></p>


France has a limited congruence of security interests with QUAD, and may not be taking an anti-Chinese position. Thus India has to deal with a new strategic dynamics with France in IOR with increasing Chinese footprints.

When the global community started using the terminology ‘Indo-Pacific’ instead of ‘Asia –Pacific’, it was not merely a change in terminology, but it indicated a global maritime security concern due to Chinese island grabbing adventures and luring smaller countries to establish military bases in Indian Ocean Region (IOR), besides South and East China Sea. Both the oceans exist as a single water body with few choke points separating them, but the term Indo-Pacific indicates the maritime shift with some signalling to resent Chinese over aggressive moves with additional bases in IOR (Increasing Pearls of the String) and incremental encroachment in South and East China Sea. The forthcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India towards this weekend is relevant in this context of Maritime security of IOR, besides other important expectations like nuclear cooperation and possible agreement between NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) and EDF (of France) on six nuclear reactors, helping out India in indigenisation and maintenance of reactors. France is a major exporter of planes including fighter planes, helicopters, packaged medicaments and cars for which India is an emerging market, and a major importer of oil for which security of Gulf is important. Hence, they have managed to have military bases in Abu Dhabi and Djibouti. In both cases, there is a natural convergence of interests between India and France. Looking from French point of view, its volume of trade transhipments in Indo- Pacific region is very limited when compared to QUAD countries (U.S.A, Japan, India and Australia) hence its concerns are also expected to be limited. French stakes in IOR however, are relatively much higher; hence it holds military bases in Djibouti, Abu Dhabi and Reunion Islands to look after its real state, which includes ten islands as part of French overseas territory. This happens to be the maximum held by any country as overseas territory, including approximately 11 million sq. km of exclusive economic zone especially in the Mozambique Channel. France also has some assets in South Pacific, which it will like to secure in conjunction with Australia. The French interests, therefore, will be limited to IOR and later possibly South Pacific. It, therefore, has a limited congruence of security interests with QUAD, and may not be taking an anti-Chinese position, more so after the visit of President Macron there. India should be looking at a strategic partnership with France, with formal agreements to allow India logistics access to French military bases and vice versa, in IOR for mutual security interest on lines of LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement). We should also be looking at architecture for intelligence sharing, anti-piracy and disaster relief measures. I do not visualise that France will walk into any anti-Chinese arrangement including anything related to QUAD; hence the talks would be within the bounds of bilateralism and IOR for the time being. Post-release White Paper of Australia on its National Security last year and US National Security Strategy recently, the maritime concerns of Australia also are inter-woven with India and IOR, and have become a global concern. An offer of negotiating for joint exercises with France and Australia in Indian Ocean to improve interoperability may not be a bad idea. The fact that France has a base in Abu Dhabi, and its security interests are converging with Indians, some mutually beneficial arrangements could be discussed for future trilateral negotiations. India has to deal with a new strategic dynamics in IOR with increasing Chinese footprints. China in few decades grew from Brown to Blue-water Naval status, knocking off first and second island chains, went on to island grabbing spree and now it continues to acquire as many bases in IOR as it can, to protect its maritime road and make its BRI succeed. The additional bases of China in IOR have limited capability in view of inadequate air power, and its aircraft carriers will still take quite sometimes to be able to be fully effective in IOR in comparison with Indian and other Navies operating there. Although Indian Navy is well poised to protect Indian interests in IOR, yet it needs to be seriously concerned with growing hostile capability and needs to take concrete steps in capacity building. Towards this end, a strategic partnership with France to be able to use their military bases will serve our mutual interest. In fact, India itself should start looking for military bases at strategically crucial locations and offer similar facilities to French Navy. The French Defence equipment can also be looked at for capacity building. India should look beyond getting some islands in Seychelles and Mauritius to cut down reaction time with reciprocal facilities to France from our existing naval bases. With this as a backdrop, it will be interesting to see how far France is ready to sail with India in IOR. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: On visit to India, French President Macron may not take anti-China position

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron will pay a four-day visit to India from March 9 during which he would discuss the economic, political and strategic ties between the two countries, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold delegation-level talks with the French president on March 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The leaders will co-chair the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) a day later. The initiative to form the ISA for harnessing solar energy was taken by Modi and Macron&#39;s predecessor Fran&ccedil;ois Hollande, it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The French president&#39;s spouse Brigitte Marie-Claude Macron will also accompany him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last visit of the French president to India was in January 2016 when Macron was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations that year. Modi last visited France in June&nbsp;2017, immediately after Macron was elected to office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India-France strategic partnership, established in 1998, is one of the most important and comprehensive bilateral engagements.</p>

<p>&quot;We have enhanced and ongoing cooperation in the defence, maritime, space, security, and energy-related sectors, and are increasingly working together on all issues of concern including terrorism, climate change, sustainable growth and development, infrastructure, smart urbanisation, S&amp;T cooperation, and youth exchanges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The visit of President Macron is aimed at strengthening the economic, political and strategic dimension of our bilateral engagement,&quot; the statement by the MEA said.</p>

<p>The bilateral trade between India and France for the period April, 2016 to March, 2017 reached $10.95 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>France is the 9th largest foreign investor in India with a cumulative investment of USD 6.09 billion from April&nbsp;2000 to October&nbsp;2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Close to 1,000 French companies are present in India and about 120 Indian companies have invested in excess of Euro 1 billion in France and employ close to 7,000 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The India-France CEO&#39;s Forum will also take place during Macron&#39;s visit to India, the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visit is also aimed at forging not only strong manufacturing and technology partnerships&nbsp;but also greater people-to-people contacts, especially through greater exchanges of students and researchers, it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fspe_VCL1ug" width="560"></iframe><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold delegation-level talks with the French president on March 10

French President Emmanuel Macron will pay a four-day visit to India from March 9 during which he would discuss the economic, political and strategic ties between the two countries, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold delegation-level talks with the French president on March 10. The leaders will co-chair the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) a day later. The initiative to form the ISA for harnessing solar energy was taken by Modi and Macron's predecessor François Hollande, it said. The French president's spouse Brigitte Marie-Claude Macron will also accompany him. The last visit of the French president to India was in January 2016 when Macron was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations that year. Modi last visited France in June 2017, immediately after Macron was elected to office. India-France strategic partnership, established in 1998, is one of the most important and comprehensive bilateral engagements. "We have enhanced and ongoing cooperation in the defence, maritime, space, security, and energy-related sectors, and are increasingly working together on all issues of concern including terrorism, climate change, sustainable growth and development, infrastructure, smart urbanisation, S&T cooperation, and youth exchanges. "The visit of President Macron is aimed at strengthening the economic, political and strategic dimension of our bilateral engagement," the statement by the MEA said. The bilateral trade between India and France for the period April, 2016 to March, 2017 reached $10.95 billion. France is the 9th largest foreign investor in India with a cumulative investment of USD 6.09 billion from April 2000 to October 2017. Close to 1,000 French companies are present in India and about 120 Indian companies have invested in excess of Euro 1 billion in France and employ close to 7,000 people. The India-France CEO's Forum will also take place during Macron's visit to India, the statement said. The visit is also aimed at forging not only strong manufacturing and technology partnerships but also greater people-to-people contacts, especially through greater exchanges of students and researchers, it added.

French president Macron to visit India on March 9

<p>Chinese efforts to make best of the French President Macron&rsquo;s visit to claim the success of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), recently enshrined in the Constitution, have not been bought by the West. Macron has been balanced in choosing his words to say &ldquo;I want us to define together the rules of a balanced relationship in which everyone will win.&rdquo; Referring specifically to China&rsquo;s BRI to revive Silk Road trade routes, he said &ldquo;the ancient Silk Roads were never only Chinese&rdquo; and also &ldquo;the new roads cannot only go one way&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macron&#39;s words, therefore, underlines the fact that the BRI cannot be only China-centric with the bulk of contracts going to Chinese companies to revive their sliding economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many countries in the European Union see the $1 trillion BRI as an example of Chinese expansionism and the proposed deals lacking transparency and level playing field, highly skewed in favor of China.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>From the conception of the One Belt One Road (OBOR), later published in BRI document, it was quite clear that the BRI project has been conceived by China, to improve its connectivity with four continents to increase its infrastructure investments, utilise it&#39;s capacities and trade surpluses, besides increasing its strategic footprints globally. It is a &#39;China First&#39; programme without calling it so. China planned to organised OBOR Summit last year, expecting attendance of all global leaders, but when it was clear that the world will not sign on the dotted line of China, and most top leaders will not attend, it was renamed as Belt and Road Forum (BRF).</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>BRI is also a tool for creating connectivity for Chinese global deployability to be able to take on a global leadership role. China wants the world to believe that it is a benign project for inclusive growth of partners, but the idea has been bought by only those countries which need Chinese capital or other support. Some others who cannot oppose China for various reasons have also followed it because of lack of choices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The countries which joined the Chinese bandwagon were helpless, in dire need of capital to develop infrastructure in their country.&nbsp; Most of them now realise that it was exploitative. The problem still remains that who will provide the capital for such a fancy one-sided project conceived for China&#39;s economic survival and to fulfill its global leadership ambition? The European countries realise that with major contracts planned for Chinese companies, it is not a win-win project but only a China- win project.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>India boycotted BRF because China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor (CPEC), (part of BRI) passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), which as sovereign territory of India violates Indian sovereignty. No other country is confronted with an issue as serious as &ldquo;sovereignty issue&rdquo; in context of BRI as India, hence, India stance is well-justified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, it is wishful thinking that militants harboured in Pakistan will ever allow our trade to pass through to CAR/Afghanistan. In case of Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM), India has already established connectivity through Bangladesh from Kolkata to Agartala. The roads in the northeastern states are being developed by India, and connectivity to Myanmar is being developed bilaterally, hence, China-driven BCIM has very little to charm India.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>I feel that Chinese advertisement of Macron&#39;s support to BRI is part of popularising it. On Macron&#39;s part, it is part of diplomatic niceties, the depth of which will be known only when contracts pertaining to BRI are inked.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</em></p>


Chinese advertisement of Macron's support to BRI is part of popularising it. On Macron's part, it is part of diplomatic niceties.

Chinese efforts to make best of the French President Macron’s visit to claim the success of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), recently enshrined in the Constitution, have not been bought by the West. Macron has been balanced in choosing his words to say “I want us to define together the rules of a balanced relationship in which everyone will win.” Referring specifically to China’s BRI to revive Silk Road trade routes, he said “the ancient Silk Roads were never only Chinese” and also “the new roads cannot only go one way”. Macron's words, therefore, underlines the fact that the BRI cannot be only China-centric with the bulk of contracts going to Chinese companies to revive their sliding economy. Many countries in the European Union see the $1 trillion BRI as an example of Chinese expansionism and the proposed deals lacking transparency and level playing field, highly skewed in favor of China. From the conception of the One Belt One Road (OBOR), later published in BRI document, it was quite clear that the BRI project has been conceived by China, to improve its connectivity with four continents to increase its infrastructure investments, utilise it's capacities and trade surpluses, besides increasing its strategic footprints globally. It is a 'China First' programme without calling it so. China planned to organised OBOR Summit last year, expecting attendance of all global leaders, but when it was clear that the world will not sign on the dotted line of China, and most top leaders will not attend, it was renamed as Belt and Road Forum (BRF). BRI is also a tool for creating connectivity for Chinese global deployability to be able to take on a global leadership role. China wants the world to believe that it is a benign project for inclusive growth of partners, but the idea has been bought by only those countries which need Chinese capital or other support. Some others who cannot oppose China for various reasons have also followed it because of lack of choices. The countries which joined the Chinese bandwagon were helpless, in dire need of capital to develop infrastructure in their country. Most of them now realise that it was exploitative. The problem still remains that who will provide the capital for such a fancy one-sided project conceived for China's economic survival and to fulfill its global leadership ambition? The European countries realise that with major contracts planned for Chinese companies, it is not a win-win project but only a China- win project. India boycotted BRF because China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor (CPEC), (part of BRI) passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), which as sovereign territory of India violates Indian sovereignty. No other country is confronted with an issue as serious as “sovereignty issue” in context of BRI as India, hence, India stance is well-justified. Moreover, it is wishful thinking that militants harboured in Pakistan will ever allow our trade to pass through to CAR/Afghanistan. In case of Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM), India has already established connectivity through Bangladesh from Kolkata to Agartala. The roads in the northeastern states are being developed by India, and connectivity to Myanmar is being developed bilaterally, hence, China-driven BCIM has very little to charm India. I feel that Chinese advertisement of Macron's support to BRI is part of popularising it. On Macron's part, it is part of diplomatic niceties, the depth of which will be known only when contracts pertaining to BRI are inked. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Should India take French President's visit to China as endorsement of BRI?

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