PM Modi, French Prez hold productive talks to further consolidate bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday held wideranging talks to further consolidate IndiaFrance strategic cooperation especially in areas of defence security trade and clean energy after the French leader was accorded a redcarpet welcome hereThe talks took place at a 19th century palace after Modi and Macron held a roadshow from the astronomical observation site of Jantar Mantar to iconic Hawa Mahal in the Pink CityMacron will be the chief guest at Fridays Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavya Path the ceremonial boulevard in the heart of the national capital Prime Minister Modi was the guest of honour at the prestigious Bastille Day Parade in Paris in July lastWelcome to India my friend President EmmanuelMacron I am happy that President Macron begins his India visit from Jaipur in Rajasthan a land with rich culture heritage and talented people Modi said in a post on XIt is a matter of great pride that he will be taking part in our Republic Day celebrations tomorrow 26th January in Delhi His presence not only strengthens the ties between our nations but also adds a significant chapter to our shared history of friendship and collaboration he saidExternal Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the ModiMacron talks as productive and that they exchanged views on a widerange of bilateral and global issues Taking IndiaFrance Strategic Partnership to greater heights Jaiswal posted on XProductive discussions held between PM narendramodi and President EmmanuelMacron of France in Jaipur The two leaders took stock of bilateral ties amp exchanged perspectives on a widerange of bilateral and global issues he saidPM Modi also hosted a banquet for Macron and the members of his delegation at the hotelIt is understood that the talks between the two leaders at Taj Rambagh Palace largely focused on boosting cooperation in defence trade space cyber domain besides ways to bolster engagement in the IndoPacificThe French presidents twoday visit to India is taking place as top negotiators from the two sides are eyeing to seal two mega defence deals providing for Indias procurement of 26 RafaleM marine version fighter jets and three French designed Scorpene submarinesThe visit shows the deep mutual trust and unwavering friendship underpinning IndoFrench ties a French readout said on WednesdayPresident Macrons visit will consolidate the ambitious renewal of the FranceIndia strategic partnership that the two leaders decided on in Paris on July 14 through the Horizon 2047 Roadmap it saidHorizon 2047 is a blueprint to significantly bolster the ties when the two sides will celebrate the centenary of diplomatic relationsThe French president also visited the grand Amber Fort situated on the Aravalli range on the outskirts of JaipurVisited Jantar Mantar in Jaipur with President EmmanuelMacron This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a testament to Indias rich heritage in astronomy It also symbolises the blend of ancient wisdom and modern science a shared value that both India and France appreciate Modi said in another post on XOfficials said the focus of the deliberations would be on shoring up cooperation in areas of defence and security trade climate change nuclear energy and mobility of students and professionalsOn Friday Macron will witness the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest A 95member marching contingent and 33member band contingent from France will take part in the paradeTwo Rafale fighter jets and an Airbus A330 multirole tanker transport aircraft of the French air force will also feature in the celebrationsThe French marching contingent from the French Foreign Legion features six IndiansMacron will also attend the At Home reception by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan He is also scheduled to hold a meeting with Murmu at 710 pmThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever