Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France is expected to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries and shape strategic ties between the European Union (EU) and India, according to Media India Group. This visit holds special significance as India and France are celebrating 25 years of their strategic partnership.
PM Modi has been invited to attend the Bastille Day Parade as the Guest of Honour by French President Emmanuel Macron. He will be the second Indian Prime Minister, after Manmohan Singh in 2009, to receive this honor. The visit presents an opportunity for India and France to deepen their strategic partnership and set ambitious goals for cooperation in various fields, including culture, science, academia, and economics.
Over the past 25 years, India and France have established a strong institutional mechanism to enhance cooperation in areas such as space, defense, civil nuclear, renewables, cyberspace, digital technology, counterterrorism, and the blue economy. These initiatives extend beyond bilateral ties to include multilateral cooperation as well.
An important milestone in the India-France partnership was the joint launch of the International Solar Alliance at the Paris Climate Change Summit in 2015. The two countries also share synergy in the defense sector, with France playing a significant role in the growth of India’s civil aviation industry.
PM Modi’s visit is expected to strengthen collaboration between India and France in the Indo-Pacific region, where France has overseas territories and an exclusive economic zone. Both countries share a vision of a free, open, and rules-based order, based on international law, respect for sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and a region free from coercion, tensions, and conflicts.
France is home to the fourth-largest Indian community in Europe, and the country is actively trying to attract students and professionals from India. An existing bilateral agreement on migration and mobility cooperation aims to facilitate circular migration and the return of skills to the home country.
The trade relations between India and France date back to the 17th century. Currently, bilateral trade stands at EUR 10.7 billion, with more than 1,000 French companies having a presence in India, contributing to a total turnover of USD 20 billion. Meanwhile, 210 Indian companies are operating in France, with an investment stock of EUR 1 billion. France is the 11th largest foreign investor in India, with a total foreign direct investment (FDI) stock of USD 10,389 million from April 2000 to September 2022.
India and France share a defining strategic partnership, with France openly supporting India’s desire for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. PM Modi’s visit presents an opportunity to strengthen ties with Europe and reinforce the belief in a shared future and common values.
As part of the Bastille Day celebrations, the Indian Army contingent will also participate, showcasing the long-standing bond between the two countries. This participation is a testament to the bravery and courage of Indian soldiers who fought on French soil during the World Wars.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s visit to France is expected to boost economic cooperation between India and France, shape EU-India strategic ties, and revitalize multilateralism. It is an opportunity for both countries to set ambitious goals and strengthen their collaboration in various sectors. The visit will also highlight the historical and cultural ties between India and France, as well as their shared vision for a free and rules-based order.
