<p>India and France on Friday announced that they will be jointly developing a combat aircraft engine and engine for the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.</p>

<p>The announcement came following the conclusion of bilateral talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, as they announced a roadmap “to set the course for the bilateral relationship up to 2047”.</p>

<p>“India and France will extend their ground-breaking defence cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies by supporting the joint development of a combat aircraft engine,” the statement provided by Indian Ministry of External Affairs read.</p>

<p>“They also support industrial cooperation for motorization of heavy-lift helicopters under the Indian Multi Role Helicopter [IMRH] programme with Safran Helicopter Engine, France. To enable progress on the IMRH programme, a Shareholders’ Agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India and Safran Helicopter Engine, France has been concluded for engine development,” it added.</p>

<h2><strong>'Ventures in line with&nbsp;spirit of trust'</strong></h2>

<p>These ventures are in line with the spirit of trust that prevails between India and France in the sharing and joint development of critical components and technology building blocks, based on the successful Indo-French experience in technology transfer, the statement read.</p>

<p>A roadmap for this project will be prepared between Safran and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) before the end of this year.</p>

<p>“Defence cooperation has been a strong pillar of our ties. It is a symbol of deep mutual trust between the two countries. France is an important partner in Make in India and self-reliant India,” Modi said at the joint press statement ahead of the bilateral talks at Elysee Palace.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi in France: Equality, fraternity and equality is in our ethos</strong></h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-in-france-equality-fraternity-and-equality-is-in-our-ethos-615773/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The PM said that the two countries are discussing possibilities for co-development and co-production of defence equipment and also export them to third countries.</p>

<p>The statement mentioned other examples of the defence industrial partnership that includes the contract being concluded between Safran Helicopter Engine and HAL for the transfer of technology of "forging and castings" for the Shakti engine.</p>

<p>"This is also reflective of the French commitment to support technology transfer and Make in India," it said.</p>

<p>The announcement came a day after India’s Defence Acquisition Council gave in-principle approval for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighters to operate off India’s aircraft carriers and three additional Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines from France.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eiffel-tower-to-pioneer-upi-launch-in-france-by-september-2023-confirms-mea-615768">Eiffel Tower to pioneer UPI launch in France by September 2023, confirms MEA</a></p>

<p>However, no announcements were made about this deal during the joint press conference.</p>

<h2><strong>India P75 programme</strong></h2>

<p>Moreover, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between India's Mazagon Dockyard Ltd and France's Naval Group for the construction of three additional submarines under the P75 programme.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modi-in-france-india-flags-cross-border-terrorism-repeats-call-for-dialogue-to-end-ukraine-war-615740">Modi in France: India flags cross-border terrorism, repeats call for dialogue to end Ukraine war</a></p>

<p>“India and France are ready to explore more ambitious projects to develop the Indian submarine fleet and its performance,” the statement said.</p>

<p>In view of the uptick in defence industrial collaborations between the two countries, India is setting up a technical office of the DRDO at the Indian embassy in Paris.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


India and France on Friday announced that they will be jointly developing a combat aircraft engine and engine for the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

India and France on Friday announced that they will be jointly developing a combat aircraft engine and engine for the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The announcement came following the conclusion of bilateral talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, as they announced a roadmap “to set the course for the bilateral relationship up to 2047”. “India and France will extend their ground-breaking defence cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies by supporting the joint development of a combat aircraft engine,” the statement provided by Indian Ministry of External Affairs read. “They also support industrial cooperation for motorization of heavy-lift helicopters under the Indian Multi Role Helicopter [IMRH] programme with Safran Helicopter Engine, France. To enable progress on the IMRH programme, a Shareholders’ Agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India and Safran Helicopter Engine, France has been concluded for engine development,” it added. 'Ventures in line with spirit of trust' These ventures are in line with the spirit of trust that prevails between India and France in the sharing and joint development of critical components and technology building blocks, based on the successful Indo-French experience in technology transfer, the statement read. A roadmap for this project will be prepared between Safran and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) before the end of this year. “Defence cooperation has been a strong pillar of our ties. It is a symbol of deep mutual trust between the two countries. France is an important partner in Make in India and self-reliant India,” Modi said at the joint press statement ahead of the bilateral talks at Elysee Palace. PM Modi in France: Equality, fraternity and equality is in our ethos The PM said that the two countries are discussing possibilities for co-development and co-production of defence equipment and also export them to third countries. The statement mentioned other examples of the defence industrial partnership that includes the contract being concluded between Safran Helicopter Engine and HAL for the transfer of technology of "forging and castings" for the Shakti engine. "This is also reflective of the French commitment to support technology transfer and Make in India," it said. The announcement came a day after India’s Defence Acquisition Council gave in-principle approval for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighters to operate off India’s aircraft carriers and three additional Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines from France. Also read | Eiffel Tower to pioneer UPI launch in France by September 2023, confirms MEA However, no announcements were made about this deal during the joint press conference. India P75 programme Moreover, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between India's Mazagon Dockyard Ltd and France's Naval Group for the construction of three additional submarines under the P75 programme. Also read | Modi in France: India flags cross-border terrorism, repeats call for dialogue to end Ukraine war “India and France are ready to explore more ambitious projects to develop the Indian submarine fleet and its performance,” the statement said. In view of the uptick in defence industrial collaborations between the two countries, India is setting up a technical office of the DRDO at the Indian embassy in Paris. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India, France sign key defence pacts, set to co-develop new combat aircraft engine

<p dir="ltr">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to France to attend the Bastille Day parade marks a significant milestone in the strengthening relationship between India and France. This is the second time that an Indian leader has been invited as the 'Guest of Honour' to the parade, which is a major event in the French national calendar.</p>

<p dir="ltr">While the visit is an opportunity for PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss a range of bilateral issues including defence, trade, and investment, it also celebrates the historical and cultural ties shared by the two countries.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The India-France relationship, which has been steadily strengthening in the recent years, has a long and rich history. From defence cooperation to trade ties and climate action, India and France have worked together on a host of global issues.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit also coincides with the celebration of 25 years of the strategic partnership between India and France. In 1998, the then-French president Jacques Chirac visited India, and the two nations agreed to develop their respective strategic independence by drawing on concrete bilateral cooperation.</p>

<p dir="ltr">One of the key things that bind these two democracies together is also their commitment to promote a multipolar world and defend multilateralism and international law.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As the two countries write a new chapter in strategic partnership, here are six reasons that make France India's top partner in Europe:</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>1) Historical ties:</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">The participation of the Indian tri-services contingent at this year's Bastille Day parade is testimony to more than a century-old affiliation and the bond between both the armies. According to India's defence ministry, over 1.3 million Indian soldiers (both from British India and French India) had participated in the World War I. Several of these soldiers fought shoulder-to-shoulder with&nbsp; France's troops in the treacherous trenches on the French soil.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Indian Memorial at the Neuve Chapelle in northern France, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage during his visit in 2015, commemorates over 4,700 Indian soldiers and labourers who lost their lives on the Western Front during Great War.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>2) Defence partnership:</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">Although France became India's second-largest defence supplier from&nbsp;<a id="LPlnk184590">2017-2021</a>, it has been a reliable partner for India in the military aircraft domain since the 1950s. From the procurement of the first-generation the Dassault Ouragan fighter, named 'Toofani' in the Indian Air Force (IAF), to the recent submarine and Rafale-M deal — the defence sector has emerged as a crucial pillar of the India-France relationship.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Dassault Mirage 2000s, which were received in 1985, continue to be India's go-to aircraft whenever it calls for an air strike. The super fighters proved to be a gamechanger as they pounded Pakistani positions on the Kargil hilltops during the 1999 war. The Mirages were also used to carry out airstrikes in Pakistan's Balakot in 2019.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Moreover, France has also been instrumental in assisting India's defence modernisation efforts through technology transfers, enabling indigenous production capabilities, and joint ventures.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi In France: Indian PM lands in Paris for 2-day visit ahead of Bastille Day</strong></h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-in-france-indian-pm-lands-in-paris-for-2-day-visit-ahead-of-bastille-day-615132/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>3) Supporting India's interests:</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">France was one of the first P5 countries to stand firmly with India while the world turned away in the wake of Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998, conducted under the prime ministership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Defying the US-led sanctions, France was also among the first countries to sign a civil nuclear pact with India.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In August 2019, after Article 370 was repealed in Jammu and Kashmir, France maintained its position that the abrogation of the special status was India's internal matter.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Moreover, France has reiterated its support for India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and for its accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), referring to New Delhi as a "major player" in the global arena.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In addition to publicly condemning terrorism, France and India have also pledged to work with the UN to adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>4) Strategic ties:</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">The relations between New Delhi and Paris is also cherished by a shared desire for strategic autonomy and respect for sovereignty of nations.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In September 2022, India and France agreed to set up an Indo-Pacific trilateral framework to roll out development projects, and expand strategic cooperation, amid challenges posed by Beijing in the region. During the meeting, French foreign minister Catherine Colonna highlighted how both France and India share the same concerns over China's growing influence and their commitment to ensure there was "no imbalance".</p>

<p dir="ltr">Earlier this year, France led a multilateral exercise 'La Pérouse' with the navies of Quad countries - India, US, Australia , Japan- and the UK in the strategic Indian Ocean region, where China is trying to get foothold after wresting control of the strategic Hambantota port in Sri Lanka.</p>

<p dir="ltr">A recent strategic agreement between France and India also allows both countries' warships access to the other's naval stations across the Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy now has access to significant French ports, including one in Djibouti, the location of China's sole overseas military installation.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>5) Economic Cooperation:</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">France is the 11th largest foreign investor in India, with a total FDI stock of USD 10,389 million from April 2000 to September 2022. With over 1,000 French businesses operating in India and doing business to the tune of USD 20 billion, the two nations' bilateral trade is currently valued at EUR 10.7 billion. In France, more than 200 Indian businesses are operating with a EUR 1 billion investment stock.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-eu-parliament-slams-india-over-manipur-violence-new-delhi-retorts-615174">Ahead of PM Modi’s visit, EU Parliament slams India over Manipur Violence</a></p>

<p dir="ltr">According to India Brand Equity Foundation, 39 of 40 companies listed on the French stock exchange are conducting their business operations in India. The signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would significantly give an impetus to trade.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>6) Climate Cooperation:</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">India and France have forged a strong partnership to tackle climate change and promote renewable energy and international cooperation for a sustainable future. The International Solar Alliance, launched jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and former French president François Hollande during COP21, marked a key global milestone in scaling up solar energy, and reducing the cost of solar power generation.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Also read |</strong> I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-approves-purchase-of-26-rafale-jets-3-scorpene-submarines-from-france-615054">ndia approves purchase of 26 Rafale jets, 3 Scorpene submarines from France</a></p>

<p dir="ltr">The treaty-based international intergovernmental organisation, which has its secretariat near New Delhi, now has 114 Member and Signatory countries sharing their best practices and mobilising investments for a carbon-neutral future.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to France to attend the Bastille Day parade marks a significant milestone in the strengthening relationship between India and France.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to France to attend the Bastille Day parade marks a significant milestone in the strengthening relationship between India and France. This is the second time that an Indian leader has been invited as the 'Guest of Honour' to the parade, which is a major event in the French national calendar. While the visit is an opportunity for PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss a range of bilateral issues including defence, trade, and investment, it also celebrates the historical and cultural ties shared by the two countries. The India-France relationship, which has been steadily strengthening in the recent years, has a long and rich history. From defence cooperation to trade ties and climate action, India and France have worked together on a host of global issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit also coincides with the celebration of 25 years of the strategic partnership between India and France. In 1998, the then-French president Jacques Chirac visited India, and the two nations agreed to develop their respective strategic independence by drawing on concrete bilateral cooperation. One of the key things that bind these two democracies together is also their commitment to promote a multipolar world and defend multilateralism and international law. As the two countries write a new chapter in strategic partnership, here are six reasons that make France India's top partner in Europe: 1) Historical ties: The participation of the Indian tri-services contingent at this year's Bastille Day parade is testimony to more than a century-old affiliation and the bond between both the armies. According to India's defence ministry, over 1.3 million Indian soldiers (both from British India and French India) had participated in the World War I. Several of these soldiers fought shoulder-to-shoulder with France's troops in the treacherous trenches on the French soil. The Indian Memorial at the Neuve Chapelle in northern France, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage during his visit in 2015, commemorates over 4,700 Indian soldiers and labourers who lost their lives on the Western Front during Great War. 2) Defence partnership: Although France became India's second-largest defence supplier from 2017-2021, it has been a reliable partner for India in the military aircraft domain since the 1950s. From the procurement of the first-generation the Dassault Ouragan fighter, named 'Toofani' in the Indian Air Force (IAF), to the recent submarine and Rafale-M deal — the defence sector has emerged as a crucial pillar of the India-France relationship. The Dassault Mirage 2000s, which were received in 1985, continue to be India's go-to aircraft whenever it calls for an air strike. The super fighters proved to be a gamechanger as they pounded Pakistani positions on the Kargil hilltops during the 1999 war. The Mirages were also used to carry out airstrikes in Pakistan's Balakot in 2019. Moreover, France has also been instrumental in assisting India's defence modernisation efforts through technology transfers, enabling indigenous production capabilities, and joint ventures. PM Modi In France: Indian PM lands in Paris for 2-day visit ahead of Bastille Day 3) Supporting India's interests: France was one of the first P5 countries to stand firmly with India while the world turned away in the wake of Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998, conducted under the prime ministership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Defying the US-led sanctions, France was also among the first countries to sign a civil nuclear pact with India. In August 2019, after Article 370 was repealed in Jammu and Kashmir, France maintained its position that the abrogation of the special status was India's internal matter. Moreover, France has reiterated its support for India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and for its accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), referring to New Delhi as a "major player" in the global arena. In addition to publicly condemning terrorism, France and India have also pledged to work with the UN to adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). 4) Strategic ties: The relations between New Delhi and Paris is also cherished by a shared desire for strategic autonomy and respect for sovereignty of nations. In September 2022, India and France agreed to set up an Indo-Pacific trilateral framework to roll out development projects, and expand strategic cooperation, amid challenges posed by Beijing in the region. During the meeting, French foreign minister Catherine Colonna highlighted how both France and India share the same concerns over China's growing influence and their commitment to ensure there was "no imbalance". Earlier this year, France led a multilateral exercise 'La Pérouse' with the navies of Quad countries - India, US, Australia , Japan- and the UK in the strategic Indian Ocean region, where China is trying to get foothold after wresting control of the strategic Hambantota port in Sri Lanka. A recent strategic agreement between France and India also allows both countries' warships access to the other's naval stations across the Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy now has access to significant French ports, including one in Djibouti, the location of China's sole overseas military installation. 5) Economic Cooperation: France is the 11th largest foreign investor in India, with a total FDI stock of USD 10,389 million from April 2000 to September 2022. With over 1,000 French businesses operating in India and doing business to the tune of USD 20 billion, the two nations' bilateral trade is currently valued at EUR 10.7 billion. In France, more than 200 Indian businesses are operating with a EUR 1 billion investment stock. Also read | Ahead of PM Modi’s visit, EU Parliament slams India over Manipur Violence According to India Brand Equity Foundation, 39 of 40 companies listed on the French stock exchange are conducting their business operations in India. The signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would significantly give an impetus to trade. 6) Climate Cooperation: India and France have forged a strong partnership to tackle climate change and promote renewable energy and international cooperation for a sustainable future. The International Solar Alliance, launched jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and former French president François Hollande during COP21, marked a key global milestone in scaling up solar energy, and reducing the cost of solar power generation. Also read | India approves purchase of 26 Rafale jets, 3 Scorpene submarines from France The treaty-based international intergovernmental organisation, which has its secretariat near New Delhi, now has 114 Member and Signatory countries sharing their best practices and mobilising investments for a carbon-neutral future. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

French Connection: 6 reasons why France is India's top partner in Europe

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited as a guest of honour for Bastille Day in France this week, by President Emmanuel Macron. This invitation comes weeks after the White House state dinner in Washington which was definitely a dramatic increase in the cooperation between US-India relations, strategically meandering the disagreements regarding Russia’s war on Ukraine.</p>

<p>However, Modi’s visit to France this week will be of a different flavour altogether. The visit will not only mark the re-visitation of Indo-France strategic partnership along areas of cooperation like energy security, defence technologies, maritime security and trade but also recognise India’s status as a key player in the Indo-Pacific. This also remains a strategic opportunity to re-orient India’s potential contribution to European vis-a-vis global security.</p>

<p>India’s relation with France, captures a larger vision to protect commitments to international law, reshaping the multipolar world with effective multilateralism and commitment to the larger regional security in the Indo-Pacific. The shared vision of a free, open and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific has been congruent among both countries, understanding Chinese positionality in the region. Both of them, therefore, acknowledge the importance of a functional strategic partnership, which has been highlighted quite categorically in the previous joint statements issued by New Delhi.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-bastille-day-parade-rafale-jets-to-take-part-pm-modi-will-be-guest-of-honour-609772"><strong>ALSO READ| France's Bastille Day parade: Rafale jets to take part, PM Modi will be guest of honour</strong></a></p>

<p>Regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, France has hoped for India to change its stance on not openly condemning Russia. Though it was recently observed in the French diplomatic establishment, that even though India and France do not share the position on the Ukraine crisis, India has never categorically supported the Russian invasion. On the contrary, Modi’s remark to Russian President Putin - today’s era is not of war - reflects the desire to reduce the risk of escalation in this Eurasian conflict.<br />
<br />
France has previously pointed out that the strategic closeness that India shares with Russia can be used in the serving of a channel of peace in this crisis. This remains a critical point of consideration for India, to assess the security dependence on Moscow, considering the ever-increasing China-Pakistan comradery and also the recent diplomatic warming up between &nbsp;Xi and Putin, in their recent two days of talk in March declaring their equal criticism of the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has been sensitive about outrightly condemning Russia’s aggressions on the global stage, which faces a similar pattern during its military occupation of Crimea in 2014 as well. The NATO Summit and Modi’s visit to Paris will be a timely coincidence which might be prospective in re-assessing India’s role in European security. The subsequent question remains, what can be the role of India in Europe then?&nbsp;</p>

<p>The outcomes of Ukraine and its effect on Asian geopolitics cannot be ignored. France has remained a controversial player, with respect to Russian aggression. Macron’s position of having a dialogue with Putin has been termed as improper in the European diplomatic networks, with a no-show of President Macron in Kyiv contributing to the larger assertion, that just giving aid to Ukraine, might not be enough. However, this might be just a &nbsp;difference in the larger approach to looking at the conflict, just like the Indian position. Here, Modi’s visit to Paris might be yet another opportunity to concretise the position of India regarding Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Modi-Macron dialogue is the potential forum where the co-development of Indian and French defence-industrial capabilities will further contribute to their shared threat perception in Asian security. Here, the increasing visibility of China with its 12-point peace plan for Ukraine highlights the shift in Chinese diplomatic strategy as witnessed earlier in the Middle East, brokering the normalisation agreement between Saudi and Iran. This is a similar strategy with respect to Ukraine, where China is seen utilising its positionality with Russia, in order to concretise its recent master plan of creating a global security architecture in the Global South i.e. the much contested Global Security Initiative.</p>

<p>China being increasingly closer to being the negotiator in the Eurasian conflict, will have a considerable effect on the balance of power conditions in Europe. India has a lot to miss, in terms of positioning its diplomatic capital right now, with respect to European peace and security. The condition currently, will require India to transform its passive policies regarding Europe, not however suggesting distancing itself from natural allies like Russia. Paris will be the right place to use its partnership with France, in being a nation perfectly aligned to serve as a balance between Russia and the rest of Europe.</p>

<p>However, it is often alleged that Europe has two different standpoints in dealing with China. While China remains the largest trading partner of the EU with an annual bilateral flow of € 850 billion, it is also cautious about Chinese governance issues in the Asia Pacific and its history with respect to the territorial sovereignty of other nations. Here, Europe should understand the obvious democratic alternative with countries like India. Security cooperation, like the first-ever India-EU defence consultations last year held in Brussels, stands clear of its equal recognition of being partners in securing maritime cooperation, the prospect of co-development and co-production of defence equipment. PESCO being the EU’s security and defence policy, needs to be further channelised to allow Indian participation in a much more intrinsic way. Chinese intervention in Eurasian politics will not be a good story to tell for both India and Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from trade and investment, conflict resolution is another diplomatic gift that China is interested in offering to Europe right now. But the ulterior motives behind such peace proposals are clear in most European diplomatic networks. Hence, this particular week will be of paramount importance in trying to reposition India’s foci in European peace and security and discuss how India will be the best alternative to Chinese brokering.</p>

<p><em><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></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited as a guest of honour for Bastille Day in France this week, by President Emmanuel Macron. This invitation comes weeks after the White House state dinner in Washington which was definitely a dramatic increase in the cooperation between US-India relations, strategically meandering the disagreements regarding Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited as a guest of honour for Bastille Day in France this week, by President Emmanuel Macron. This invitation comes weeks after the White House state dinner in Washington which was definitely a dramatic increase in the cooperation between US-India relations, strategically meandering the disagreements regarding Russia’s war on Ukraine. However, Modi’s visit to France this week will be of a different flavour altogether. The visit will not only mark the re-visitation of Indo-France strategic partnership along areas of cooperation like energy security, defence technologies, maritime security and trade but also recognise India’s status as a key player in the Indo-Pacific. This also remains a strategic opportunity to re-orient India’s potential contribution to European vis-a-vis global security. India’s relation with France, captures a larger vision to protect commitments to international law, reshaping the multipolar world with effective multilateralism and commitment to the larger regional security in the Indo-Pacific. The shared vision of a free, open and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific has been congruent among both countries, understanding Chinese positionality in the region. Both of them, therefore, acknowledge the importance of a functional strategic partnership, which has been highlighted quite categorically in the previous joint statements issued by New Delhi. ALSO READ| France's Bastille Day parade: Rafale jets to take part, PM Modi will be guest of honour Regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, France has hoped for India to change its stance on not openly condemning Russia. Though it was recently observed in the French diplomatic establishment, that even though India and France do not share the position on the Ukraine crisis, India has never categorically supported the Russian invasion. On the contrary, Modi’s remark to Russian President Putin - today’s era is not of war - reflects the desire to reduce the risk of escalation in this Eurasian conflict. France has previously pointed out that the strategic closeness that India shares with Russia can be used in the serving of a channel of peace in this crisis. This remains a critical point of consideration for India, to assess the security dependence on Moscow, considering the ever-increasing China-Pakistan comradery and also the recent diplomatic warming up between Xi and Putin, in their recent two days of talk in March declaring their equal criticism of the West. India has been sensitive about outrightly condemning Russia’s aggressions on the global stage, which faces a similar pattern during its military occupation of Crimea in 2014 as well. The NATO Summit and Modi’s visit to Paris will be a timely coincidence which might be prospective in re-assessing India’s role in European security. The subsequent question remains, what can be the role of India in Europe then? The outcomes of Ukraine and its effect on Asian geopolitics cannot be ignored. France has remained a controversial player, with respect to Russian aggression. Macron’s position of having a dialogue with Putin has been termed as improper in the European diplomatic networks, with a no-show of President Macron in Kyiv contributing to the larger assertion, that just giving aid to Ukraine, might not be enough. However, this might be just a difference in the larger approach to looking at the conflict, just like the Indian position. Here, Modi’s visit to Paris might be yet another opportunity to concretise the position of India regarding Ukraine. The Modi-Macron dialogue is the potential forum where the co-development of Indian and French defence-industrial capabilities will further contribute to their shared threat perception in Asian security. Here, the increasing visibility of China with its 12-point peace plan for Ukraine highlights the shift in Chinese diplomatic strategy as witnessed earlier in the Middle East, brokering the normalisation agreement between Saudi and Iran. This is a similar strategy with respect to Ukraine, where China is seen utilising its positionality with Russia, in order to concretise its recent master plan of creating a global security architecture in the Global South i.e. the much contested Global Security Initiative. China being increasingly closer to being the negotiator in the Eurasian conflict, will have a considerable effect on the balance of power conditions in Europe. India has a lot to miss, in terms of positioning its diplomatic capital right now, with respect to European peace and security. The condition currently, will require India to transform its passive policies regarding Europe, not however suggesting distancing itself from natural allies like Russia. Paris will be the right place to use its partnership with France, in being a nation perfectly aligned to serve as a balance between Russia and the rest of Europe. However, it is often alleged that Europe has two different standpoints in dealing with China. While China remains the largest trading partner of the EU with an annual bilateral flow of € 850 billion, it is also cautious about Chinese governance issues in the Asia Pacific and its history with respect to the territorial sovereignty of other nations. Here, Europe should understand the obvious democratic alternative with countries like India. Security cooperation, like the first-ever India-EU defence consultations last year held in Brussels, stands clear of its equal recognition of being partners in securing maritime cooperation, the prospect of co-development and co-production of defence equipment. PESCO being the EU’s security and defence policy, needs to be further channelised to allow Indian participation in a much more intrinsic way. Chinese intervention in Eurasian politics will not be a good story to tell for both India and Europe. Apart from trade and investment, conflict resolution is another diplomatic gift that China is interested in offering to Europe right now. But the ulterior motives behind such peace proposals are clear in most European diplomatic networks. Hence, this particular week will be of paramount importance in trying to reposition India’s foci in European peace and security and discuss how India will be the best alternative to Chinese brokering. (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) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Modi’s visit to Paris is about repositioning Indian role in European peace and security

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi met world leaders including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday on the sidelines of the G7 summit at Schloss Elmau in southern Germany.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and President of <a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EU_Commission</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vonderleyen</a> held talks on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit. Issues such as stronger trade ties, cooperation to mitigate climate change, emerging technologies and cultural linkages were discussed during the meeting. <a href="https://t.co/v5V6IMUJij">pic.twitter.com/v5V6IMUJij</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1541459646493474816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau. Prime Minister Trudeau had visited India in 2018 and had held bilateral talks with the Indian prime minister.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Ministers <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a> meet on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in Germany. They took stock of the India-Canada friendship and discussed ways to further strengthen it across various sectors. <a href="https://t.co/UWDXJTXo3Q">pic.twitter.com/UWDXJTXo3Q</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1541457307069997058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-is-not-the-time-for-negotiations-with-russia-zelensky-to-g7-countries-492242">Also Read:&nbsp;Now is not the time for negotiations with Russia, Zelensky to G7 countries</a></p>

<p>Earlier in the day, India's prime minister held a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo as the two leaders sought to expand bilateral cooperation including increase in trade and investment.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and President <a href="https://twitter.com/jokowi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jokowi</a> had a productive meeting. Their talks will add strength to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia. Both leaders also discussed ways to boost connectivity and business linkages. <a href="https://t.co/7g3Yq4Maq8">pic.twitter.com/7g3Yq4Maq8</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1541425478250242048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"We had wide-ranging conversations on improving trade &amp; cultural ties between our countries," PM Modi said in a tweet after meeting President Joko Widodo.</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister is in Germany on a two-day visit. PM Modi was invited to the summit after an invitation by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> meets <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Bundeskanzler</a> Olaf Scholz at the G-7 Summit in Germany. They are discussing ways to further diversify the India-Germany friendship for the benefit of our people and the entire planet. <a href="https://t.co/JQYnPtyllB">pic.twitter.com/JQYnPtyllB</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1541411775157096448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Chancellor Olaf Scholz promises climate action at G7 Summit</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/german-chancellor-olaf-scholz-promises-climate-action-at-g7-summit-492345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Indian prime also met US President Joe Biden including French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit. The Indian prime minister was later seen having tea with President Macron.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/President?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@President</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> and PM <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a> at the G-7 Summit in Germany. <a href="https://t.co/PFaKKqfGu4">pic.twitter.com/PFaKKqfGu4</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1541377209566470144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>UK PM Johnson, Italian PM Mario Draghi, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga are also attending the summit.</p>

<p>The G7+5 invited countries including India issued a joint statement on "resilient democracies" calling for "guarding the freedom, independence and diversity of civil society actors, speaking out against threats to civic space"</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi met world leaders including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday on the sidelines of the G7 summit at Schloss Elmau in southern Germany.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met world leaders including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday on the sidelines of the G7 summit at Schloss Elmau in southern Germany. PM @narendramodi and President of @EU_Commission @vonderleyen held talks on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit. Issues such as stronger trade ties, cooperation to mitigate climate change, emerging technologies and cultural linkages were discussed during the meeting. pic.twitter.com/v5V6IMUJij — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 27, 2022 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau. Prime Minister Trudeau had visited India in 2018 and had held bilateral talks with the Indian prime minister. Prime Ministers @narendramodi and @JustinTrudeau meet on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in Germany. They took stock of the India-Canada friendship and discussed ways to further strengthen it across various sectors. pic.twitter.com/UWDXJTXo3Q — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 27, 2022 × Also Read: Now is not the time for negotiations with Russia, Zelensky to G7 countries Earlier in the day, India's prime minister held a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo as the two leaders sought to expand bilateral cooperation including increase in trade and investment. PM @narendramodi and President @jokowi had a productive meeting. Their talks will add strength to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia. Both leaders also discussed ways to boost connectivity and business linkages. pic.twitter.com/7g3Yq4Maq8 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 27, 2022 × "We had wide-ranging conversations on improving trade & cultural ties between our countries," PM Modi said in a tweet after meeting President Joko Widodo. The Indian prime minister is in Germany on a two-day visit. PM Modi was invited to the summit after an invitation by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. PM @narendramodi meets @Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz at the G-7 Summit in Germany. They are discussing ways to further diversify the India-Germany friendship for the benefit of our people and the entire planet. pic.twitter.com/JQYnPtyllB — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 27, 2022 × Watch: Chancellor Olaf Scholz promises climate action at G7 Summit The Indian prime also met US President Joe Biden including French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit. The Indian prime minister was later seen having tea with President Macron. PM @narendramodi with @POTUS @JoeBiden, @President @EmmanuelMacron and PM @JustinTrudeau at the G-7 Summit in Germany. pic.twitter.com/PFaKKqfGu4 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 27, 2022 × UK PM Johnson, Italian PM Mario Draghi, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga are also attending the summit. The G7+5 invited countries including India issued a joint statement on "resilient democracies" calling for "guarding the freedom, independence and diversity of civil society actors, speaking out against threats to civic space" (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

PM Modi meets world leaders at G7 summit

modi-macron-0

Modi Macron, News on Modi Macron, stories on Modi Macron, articles on Modi Macron, Modi Macron stories at Wion, Modi Macron news, Modi Macron latest news

modi macron-0

India, France sign key defence pacts, set to co-develop new combat aircraft engine

French Connection: 6 reasons why France is India's top partner in Europe

Modi’s visit to Paris is about repositioning Indian role in European peace and security

PM Modi meets world leaders at G7 summit