India-France Strategic Partnership: Key Agreements & Future Vision

During his visit to France PM Narendra Modi shared a strong personal bond with French President Emmanuel Macron through their high-level talks which showed their mutual trust in each other. During his visit, the parties established ten agreements that included agreements in defense, atomic energy, space research, artificial intelligence, commercial trade, and infrastructure development.

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit

Gift for President Emmanuel Macron: Dokra Artwork Depicting Musicians with Studded Stonework

• What is Dokra Art?

• This metallic production method has shown existence since ancient times over years.

• Originates from Chhattisgarh, India.

• The artists produced this artwork through the historical lost-wax casting method.

• The artwork incorporates motifs of tribal subjects that depict performers with dancers as well as animals together with deities through its design.

• The artifact arrives from the completely handmade fabrication process between beeswax clay and molten metal during its elaborate creation.

The First Lady Brigitte Macron received this artistic gift

• Exquisite Silver Hand-Engraved Table Mirror from Rajasthan

• Artists documented the mirror using floral and peacock motifs to symbolize the combination of beauty nature and grace.

• India’s national bird the peacock serves as a symbol for both the monarchy and affection.

• High-skilled craftsmanship includes the decorative hand-engraving and polishing process for an exhibition of remarkable precision and artistry.

• Represents Rajasthan’s rich metalwork heritage.

Key Highlights of the Visit

Marseille Visit

• The two leaders conducted delegation-level discussions which encompassed defense, nuclear power, trade relations, technological partnership, health diplomacy, and Artificial Intelligence, as well as connectivity.

• The leaders inaugurated the newly built Indian consulate in Marseille together.

• A visit to Mazargues War Cemetery occurred during which officials honored Indian soldiers who participated in World Wars through their memorials.

A.Defence Cooperation

• The Indian Pinaka MBRL system received an invitation from France to examine its availability for acquisition purposes.

• Discussions on the integration of Integrated Combat Systems (ICS) into P75-AS submarines.

• DRDO maintains recognition of the P75-Kalvari submarine project's success alongside active works on incorporating their Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.

• The Rafale-Marine fighter aircraft agreement with India does not have an official statement yet though completion should happen shortly.

B. Civil Nuclear Cooperation

• The signatory document established a framework for India and France to co-develop Small Modular Reactors (SMR) together with Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR).

• The leaders emphasized that nuclear energy contribution would drive energy security alongside supporting low-carbon economy goals.

• Joint visit to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Cadarache.

C. AI and Innovation

• Joint declaration on AI with an India-France AI roadmap.

• The forthcoming AI Summit will take place in India as designated by authorities in 2025.

• The partnership established India and France to progress as the India-France Year of Innovation in 2025.

D. Indo-Pacific and Connectivity

• In addition to Indo-Pacific solidarity, the leaders agreed to develop triangular foreign cooperation in distant nations.

• The India-Middle East-Europe corridor (IMEC) has the potential to make Marseille along with Mumbai serve as principal connectivity nodes.

E. Economic and Trade Relations

• The two nations reached deals about digital science and they also agreed to assist 10 Indian startups that operate at a French incubator.

• The leaders emphasized a need to boost their mutual investments and trading relations.

Conclusion

• The visit elevated the strategic defense relations between India and France and fostered advancement in energy collaboration and AI technology development along with enhanced connectivity capabilities.

• The deepening partnership shows how India establishes its international geopolitical standing by matching up with France's Indo-Pacific goals.

• The advance of continuing defense procurements and AI projects along with nuclear technology implementations will enhance bilateral partnerships.