The External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar emphasized the deepening strategic partnership between India and France, highlighting its increasing strength. Earlier in Delhi, EAM Jaishankar welcomed Anne-Marie Descotes, the Secretary General of France, who is currently visiting India.
In a statement shared on platform X, the minister conveyed optimism that the Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Space Dialogue will contribute significantly to advancing bilateral relations. "Good to receive Secretary General Anne-Marie Descotes of France this morning. Our strategic partnership is growing from strength to strength. Confident that the Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Space Dialogue will further enhance its momentum", EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X.
Since the establishment of a strategic partnership in 1998, the relationship between India and France has been characterized by significant progress, with extensive cooperation spanning various sectors including education, trade, and defense. French President Emmanuel Macron made his third visit to India this year on Republic Day, following his previous visit in 2018. During this visit, discussions were held regarding a comprehensive defense industrial roadmap, with the aim of promoting collaboration in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, platforms, and cyber defense.
Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between New Space India Ltd and France's Arianespace to strengthen collaboration in satellite launches and further space exploration endeavors. Additionally, the decision was made to declare 2026 as the 'India France Year of Innovation'. President Macron's visit to India during the G20 Summit last year followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's significant visit to Paris as a Guest of Honour on French National Day on July 14, 2023.
The visit also marked the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France. Both leaders recognized the robust civil nuclear ties between the two countries and the positive advancements in discussions regarding the Jaitapur nuclear plant project. They also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing efforts from both sides to broaden bilateral cooperation. In a recent statement, Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, the French Consul General in Mumbai, lauded PM Modi, affirming him as "a true friend of France," citing various instances that demonstrate the strength of his relationship with President Macron.