Modi-Macron meet: MEA says India-France ties ‘touched new heights’ with focus on defence, nuclear energy

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held part of bilateral discussions onboard the presidential aircraft while travelling from Paris to Marseille, noting India-France “ties literally touched new heights”.

Addressing the media in France on the ongoing visit, Misri said, “Yesterday evening, after the CEO’s forum meeting, the two leaders travelled together to Marseille in the French presidential aircraft, an exceptional gesture by President Macron and emblematic not only of the deep personal trust between the two leaders but also of the remarkable confidence that they have in each other and that characterises the relationship as well. The Prime Minister and the President held discussions on board the aircraft. India-France relations touched new heights. These discussions on board the aircraft on several issues continued upon landing in Marseille, where the two leaders were joined by their larger delegations…”

Misri said the bilateral component of the visit started with the two leaders jointly addressing the India-France CEOs Forum, which saw the participation of leading businesses from both countries in a variety of areas, businesses from the sectors of aerospace, defence, innovation, energy, infrastructure, agro-processing and consumer goods were represented in the room.

“The Prime Minister acknowledged the key role being played by business leaders in both countries in bringing our two countries closer together and promoting our bilateral relations. He gave an overview of the next generation of economic reforms that’s being pursued in India, which were also previewed in the recent budget that was announced and invited French companies to explore new opportunities in the India growth story, especially in the areas of defence, civil nuclear possibilities, insurance and advanced manufacturing…,” said Misri.

Misri said the two leaders also exchanged views on recent geopolitical developments in Europe, West Asia and the Indo-Pacific, and discussed issues of global and regional importance.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, PM Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership, outlined in the Joint Statement issued following President Macron’s State Visit to India in January 2024 and in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap published during the visit of PM Modi to France in July 2023 as the Chief Guest of the Bastille Day Celebrations on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership.

They commended the progress achieved in their bilateral cooperation and committed to accelerating it further across its three pillars, added the statement.

The statement further added that the two leaders reiterated their call for reformed and effective multilateralism to sustain an equitable and peaceful international order, address pressing global challenges and prepare the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic domains.

“The two leaders stressed, in particular, the urgent need for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and agreed to coordinate closely in multilateral fora, including on UNSC matters. France reiterated its firm support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC, read the statement.

“The two leaders agreed to strengthen conversations on regulation of use of the veto in case of mass atrocities. They held extensive discussions on long-term global challenges and current international developments and agreed to intensify their global and regional engagement, including through multilateral initiatives and institutions,” the statement further added.

Acknowledging the paramount importance of advancing scientific knowledge, research and innovation, and recalling the long and enduring engagement between India and France in those areas, President Macron and PM Modi announced the grand inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation in New Delhi in March 2026 by launching its Logo.

With inputs from agencies