French President Emmanual Macron came to India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day Celebration this week. During his visit, the French President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks in New Delhi where the two leaders talked about issues ranging from climate change, defense, and marine partnership between the two countries to Indias permanent seat in the UN Security Council.13 takeaways from Macrons India visit Here are some of the major takeaways from Macrons visit to India for the Republic Day celebration.1. Cherishing FriendshipPresident Emmanuel Macron reiterates the enduring bond between India and France, emphasizing the warmth of recent meetings and joint celebrations like Bastille Day and the reciprocal visit during Indias 75th Republic Day.2. Olympic SupportMacron assures India of Frances backing to organize the 2024 Olympics, expressing eagerness to strengthen sports cooperation between the two nations.3. Defense IntegrationHighlighting deep mutual trust, Macron, and PM Modi commit to enhancing integration in defense industries. The leaders aim for co-design, co-development, and co-production, serving not only Indias defense needs but also benefiting other friendly nations.4. Roadmap for DefenseDuring Macrons State visit, India and France adopted a Roadmap for the Defence Industrial Partnership and signed a letter of intent for the Defense Space Partnership.5. COP33 and IEA MembershipMacron commends Indias offer to host COP33 in 2028, supporting Indias candidacy for International Energy Agency (IEA) membership. Both leaders institute a Comprehensive Dialogue on Global Issues, focusing on politics, oceans, climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and digital matters.6. Indo-Pacific PartnershipModi and Macron reaffirm their commitment to deepening the Indo-Pacific partnership, emphasizing its significance for their sovereign and strategic interests. They also acknowledged the vital role of their collaboration in the region for the advancement of a free, open, inclusive, secure, and peaceful Indo-Pacific and beyond7. Counter-Terrorism CollaborationBoth leaders appreciate the growing counter-terrorism cooperation, including through the mechanism of the India-France Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism. The two leaders formalized a collaboration between Indias National Security Guard (NSG) and Frances Groupe dintervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN). This partnership is crucial for tackling mass atrocities.8. UN Security Council ReformModi and Macron stress the urgent need for UN Security Council reform, supporting Indias permanent UNSC membership. They aim to strengthen conversations on the regulation of veto use in cases of mass atrocities. France also reiterated its firm support for Indias permanent membership in the UNSC. 9. Southwest Indian Ocean CooperationIndia and France intensify cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean, extending joint surveillance missions. This collaboration enhances security in strategic sea lanes of communication, according to the India-France Joint Statement10. Strategic Partnership VisionModi and Macron envision the India-France Strategic Partnership as a catalyst for prosperity, resilience, security, and a sustainable future. They commit to accelerated bilateral cooperation across three pillars- three broad pillars of bilateral cooperation - Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, Partnership for the Planet, and Partnership for People.11. Comprehensive Dialogue on Global IssuesA Comprehensive Dialogue on Global Issues is instituted, focusing on political matters, oceans, climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and digital topics. Both leaders are determined to end plastic pollution and enhance cooperation at COP conventions.12. French EducationDuring his India visit, Macron emphasized promoting education in France for Indian students. He said that France is launching an initiative “French for All, French for a Better Future” with the aim to make French accessible in public schools. With a target of 2030, he said that by the end of this decade, 30,000 Indian students will be in France.13. State Visit CelebrationsBreaking convention, President Droupadi Murmu hosts a banquet for President Macron on Republic Day evening, fostering camaraderie during the At-Home reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
