Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism on Thursday, July 13, 2023, about his visit to France and its potential to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership. He eagerly anticipated engaging in comprehensive discussions with President Emmanuel Macron to further enhance the enduring relationship between the two countries over the next 25 years.
In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of his visit to France, where he will join President Macron as the Guest of Honour for the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, in Paris. The Indian tri-services contingent will participate in the Bastille Day Parade, and the Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a fly-past during the celebrations.
Acknowledging the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the deep-rooted trust and commitment that underpins the collaboration between the two nations. Cooperation spans various domains, including defence, space, civil nuclear, blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people ties. The Prime Minister also mentioned joint efforts on regional and global issues.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his anticipation for extensive discussions with President Macron, building on their longstanding and time-tested partnership for the next 25 years. He noted previous interactions with President Macron, including their meeting in Hiroshima, Japan during the G-7 Summit in May 2023. The Prime Minister also looked forward to engaging with other French leaders, including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, Senate President Gerard Larcher, and National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi expressed his eagerness to connect with the vibrant Indian community in France, as well as meet with prominent French personalities and leading CEOs from both countries. He expressed confidence that his visit would invigorate the strategic partnership between India and France.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi mentioned his forthcoming official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on July 15, where he would meet with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. He emphasized the wide-ranging engagement between the two countries, spanning trade, investments, energy, food security, science and technology, education, fintech, defence, security, and people-to-people ties. The Prime Minister expressed his intent to deepen ties based on the roadmap agreed upon with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. He also looked forward to discussing global cooperation for climate action, particularly in light of the UAE hosting the 28th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP-28) later this year.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his confidence that his visit to the UAE would usher in a new era in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. He concluded by stating that he had departed for Paris
