India and France come closer to each other
President Emmanuel Macron visit to India is set to strengthen bilateral
cooperation between India and
France. The Joint Vision Statement on the Indian Ocean Region is clearly aimed
at countering China’s growing presence in the region. And the International
Solar Alliance, recommitment to starting the Jaitapur nuclear power plant, and
joint ventures on climate change cooperation are reactions to the U.S.
abdicating its role by announcing its pullout from the Paris accord. The “reciprocal logistics support”
agreement is a signal to Russia and to the U.S.-led alliance that both New Delhi and Paris feel the need
to diversify strategic postures beyond their current choices.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Macron declared they would ensure
cheaper solar energy and increase avenues for financing, something that has
created heat at the WTO. As far as bilateral cooperation in the Indian Ocean
Region is concerned, much
will depend on how closely the Indian and French navies and intelligence work
together in the future. Macron’s parallel commitment to help “lead” the Belt
and Road Initiative with China is worrying India.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he wanted Paris to be New Delhi's
best partner in Europe. He said “collective security” would be on top of the
agenda during talks. France is the entry point to Europe and France wants to be
India’s best partner in Europe, according to Macron.
Macron also talked about his personal rapport with Modi that was
established after their meeting in Paris last year. Macron will attend a solar power summit
designed to showcase India and France's commitment to fighting climate change,
which both leaders have made a priority.
Thus Macron’s visit to India is bound to strengthen Indo-France relations
still further.
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