France displays its “strategic intimacy” with India on National Day

Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, guest of honor for the National Day, displayed their “strategic intimacy” and their desire to strengthen their partnership. “We will continue to strengthen this historic relationship of trust between our two countries” who celebrate this year the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership, declared the French head of state during a joint speech, after having attended together the traditional military parade of July 14th.

“We consider France as a natural partner” And “we have designed a roadmap for the next 25 years”said Narendra Modi, who had earlier been awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest honor. “The strengthening of our economic relations is our common priority”he underlined, referring in particular to cooperation in the field of defence.

Several cooperation agreements revealed

The two countries also unveiled several cooperation agreements in the space field, including the establishment of a joint satellite maritime surveillance system and the start of construction of the Franco-Indian thermal infrared satellite TRISHNA.

In terms of environmental protection, the international solar alliance, a joint initiative of France and India, launched at COP 21 in favor of solar energy, “should exceed the initial goal of installing 1,000 gigawatts by 2030. We can go further with our international partners”, underlined the French president. On an international scale, “we share a common concern about the risk of fragmentation of the international community” in light of the war in Ukraine and “we have the same objective of seeking lasting peace and responding to this war of aggression on the most vulnerable countries, particularly in terms of food security and financing capacity”argued Emmanuel Macron.