India - France Joint Statement

At the invitation of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, President of the French Republic H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron paid a State Visit to India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day of India. This is President Macron’s second State Visit to India and the sixth visit by a French Leader as Guest of Honour for the Republic Day.

2. ​ President Macron’s visit for India’s Republic Day follows the Prime Minister’s historic visit to France as Guest of Honour at the French National Day on 14 July 2023, during which the two leaders unveiled Horizon 2047 Roadmap to set an ambitious and broad-ranging course for the bilateral relationship for 2047, the centenary year of India’s independence. For the two leaders to be the Guests of Honour at the successive National days respectively, is unprecedented and a high point in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the declaration of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The presence of the President of the French Republic in the 75th Republic Day of India is a symbol of our shared commitment to democracy, liberty, equality, fraternity and justice, and is a tribute to the depth of friendship and the strength of the partnership between the two countries.

3. President Macron was accompanied by a strong high-level delegation, including Ministers of Armed Forces, Culture, European and Foreign Affairs, as well as senior officials of the French Government and CEOs and industry leaders. Three aircrafts of the French Air and Space Force flew together with the aircraft of the Indian Air Force over Kartavya Path, and a French military contingent participated in the Republic Day parade, reciprocating the participation of an Indian Tri-Service contingent and fighter aircraft in the French National Day on July 14 in Paris.

4. In a departure from convention, Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu hosted a Banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary in the evening on Republic Day. President Macron joined the President of India for an ‘At-Home’ reception in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

5. In Jaipur, in addition to bilateral engagements including showcasing the rich cultural heritage, arts and crafts of Rajasthan, Prime Minister hosted a dinner for the French President in the Pink City.

6. ​ Over the course of the past decades, and especially since the declaration of the Strategic Partnership in 1998, India and France have developed a partnership of exceptional trust and confidence, consistency and strength, based on shared democratic values, strong belief in sovereignty and strategic autonomy, a shared commitment to a multipolar world, to rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter. Prime Minister Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their vision that the India-France Strategic Partnership can help build prosperity and resilience in their economies, advance their countries’ security, and a more sustainable and healthier future for the planet, seek solutions for global challenges, reinvigorate multilateralism and help build a stable international order and a more cohesive and united world.

7. ​ Prime Minister Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership, outlined in Horizon 2047 and other documents from the July 2023 Summit. They commended the progress in bilateral cooperation and committed to accelerating it further across the three broad pillars of bilateral cooperation - Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, Partnership for Planet and Partnership for People – to further reinforce their shared commitment to sovereignty and strategic autonomy. They held extensive discussions on the long-term global challenges and current international developments, and drawing from their converging interests and approaches, agreed to intensify their global and regional engagement, including through multilateral initiatives and institutions.

8. President Macron congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his leadership for India’s successful G20 Presidency that lived up to its theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future” in its smooth conduct, its ambitious outcomes and new initiatives and the achievement of consensus in the Leaders’ Delhi Declaration. They welcomed the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 and noted that it had enhanced the forum’s inclusive and representative character. They agreed that the consensus achieved in Delhi had strengthened the G20 as a premier forum for advancing an inclusive global agenda and committed to support Brazil in its Presidency in 2024.

9. India and France reaffirmed their commitment to jointly address the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Prime Minister Modi lauded President Macron’s international initiatives in 2023, including the New Global Financing Pact Summit in June, which led to the Paris Pact for People and Planet, and the One Planet - Polar Summit in Paris. The two leaders looked forward to the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) to be held in Nice in 2025. They commended UAE’s leadership in the successful conduct of COP28 in Dubai and welcomed the outcome of the COP, especially the UAE Consensus, which included decision on the First Global Stocktake, Framework on the Global Goal on Adaptation, Work Programme on Just Transition and operationalisation of the funding arrangements, including a Fund for responding to Loss and Damage. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to come forward in their next nationally determined contributions with ambitious targets.

President Macron commended India’s offer to host COP33 in 2028. He also affirmed France’s support for India’s candidacy to the International Energy Agency. India’s IEA membership would be mutually beneficial and contribute to the stability and development of international energy market and energy transition. In order to hold consultations on political matters and other global issues such as oceans, climate change, biodiversity, pollution and digital, with a particular focus on multilateral frameworks, the two leaders agreed to institute a Comprehensive Dialogue on Global Issues. The two leaders reaffirmed their determination to end plastic pollution and called for building consensus for an ambitious outcome this year on the negotiations for the establishment of a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. France and India will also increase their cooperation in the context of the three COP of the Rio Convention (climate, biodiversity and desertification) to build a joint ambition and promote synergies. In the context of their preparation to UNOC 2025, France welcomed India’s decision to join "Mercator” initiative which aims to create a global ‘digital twin’ of the Ocean. Finally, President Macron invited the Indian Government to participate in the Global Forum on "Buildings and Climate’’, co-organised by France and the United Nations Environment Program, which will take place on March 7th and 8th 2024 in Paris.

10. 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 called for the early commencement of text-based negotiations at the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) in UN. France reiterated its firm support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC. The two leaders agreed to strengthen conversations on regulation of use of the veto in case of mass atrocities. The two leaders agreed that the G20 Summit in Delhi and the Paris Global Financing Summit had underlined the need for the reform of Multilateral Development Banks to make them better, bigger and more effective, to able to address the related issues of development and climate in developing and least developed countries. They welcomed the report submitted by the Independent Expert Group constituted under the Indian G20 Presidency for providing concrete suggestions in this regard. They also acknowledged enhanced cooperation between the Paris Club and India in official debt restructuring cases.

11. ​ Prime Minister Modi and President Macron reiterated commitment to further deepen the long-standing partnership between the two countries, based on their common vision for the Indo-Pacific region. The leaders emphasized the region’s significance for their respective sovereign and strategic interests. They also acknowledged the crucial role of their partnership in the region for advancement of a free, open, inclusive, secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific and beyond. Referring to the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Indo-Pacific, which was finalised in July 2023, they expressed satisfaction at the expanding nature of their engagement in the region.

12. Defense and security partnership has been the cornerstone of India-France partnership in the Indo Pacific region, which include a comprehensive range of bilateral, multinational, regional and institutional initiatives, especially in the Indian Ocean Region. They also agreed to intensify their cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean, building on the joint surveillance missions carried out from the French island territory of La Reunion in 2020 and 2022. They also welcomed the extension of those interactions in India’s maritime neighbourhood. These interactions may contribute positively to the securitization of strategic sea lanes of communication. In addition, the two leaders welcomed the progress in bilateral dialogue and identification of specific opportunities for using India as a base for the manufacture and export of defense equipment for friendly countries in the region.

13. They also committed to revitalizing the trilateral cooperation with Australia, deepen the one with UAE and explore new ones in the region.

14. Noting the importance of joint and multilateral initiatives, for supporting sustainable economic development, human welfare, environmental sustainability, resilient infrastructure, innovation and connectivity in the region, the two leaders asked their governments to identify concrete projects. Furthermore, the two leaders called for early launching of Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund to facilitate the scaling up of green technologies being developed in the region. They agreed to explore opportunities for coordinating economic projects and programmes in the Pacific. Both leaders acknowledged projects being carried out by the French Development Agency in India.

15. The two leaders recalled the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) on the margins of the G20 Summit in Delhi in September 2023. President Macron congratulated Prime Minister Modi for his leadership in this historic initiative. The two leaders agreed that this project would be of great strategic importance and would significantly enhance the potential and resilience of the flow of commerce and energy between India, Middle East and Europe. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the appointment of President Macron’s Special Envoy for the project. The two leaders further recalled their discussions in their July Summit in Paris on various other connectivity projects from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and Africa and agreed to explore specific projects.

16. ​Both leaders strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October and expressed solidarity with the people of Israel. Condemning the huge loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict, they emphasised the need to respect international humanitarian law and to create conditions, including through a humanitarian ceasefire, for aid to flow to the affected population in the Gaza region. Both leaders also called for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The two leaders reaffirmed that a political process leading to a two-state solution for the Israeli and Palestinian people is required for lasting peace and stability in the region. They also expressed grave concern at the possibility of further expansion of the conflict in the region, including in the Red Sea, which already has a significant economic impact in the world. They recalled the utmost importance of upholding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and of respecting the international law of the sea. They had detailed conversation aimed at coordinating their efforts in that region in this regard. They expressed deep concern over the war in Ukraine and its tragic humanitarian consequences. They underscored the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, and consistent with the principles of the UN Charter. They underscored the growing impact of this war on the global economic system and food security, with consequences predominantly affecting developing and least developed countries.

17. The two leaders reaffirmed their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross border terrorism, and shared their resolve to stand together in the common fight against global terrorism. They further agreed that no country should provide safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts. The leaders also called for concerted action against all terrorist, including through designations or individuals affiliated with groups that are listed by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. The two sides emphasized the importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism, consistent with Financial Action Task Force recommendations. Both countries reiterated their commitment to work together in FATF, NMFT and other multilateral platforms.

18. They appreciated the growing India-France counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation, including through the mechanism of their Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism. They welcomed the formalisation of cooperation between the National Security Guard (NSG) of India and the Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN) for agency-level cooperation in the field of Counterterrorism.

19. They lauded the all-round progress in defence and security partnership, which is a principal pillar of the partnership and a source of strengthening their countries’ sovereignty and strategic autonomy, and for advancing peace in the region. It extends from intelligence and information exchange to exercises and equipment and across all domains from the seabed to space. They welcomed the outcomes and the directions set by the 5th Annual Defence Dialogue chaired by the two Defence Ministers, and the Maritime Cooperation Dialogue held in October 2023. They expressed satisfaction with the increasing complexity and interoperability of India-France joint defence exercises across air, sea and land and agreed to consider a distinct joint tri-services exercise. They also discussed actively increasing capacities, particularly in the maritime domain, by joining hands with other like-minded countries.

20. In a reflection of the deep mutual trust and confidence between the two countries, and drawing strength from their decades-old cooperation in advanced technologies, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi reiterated their commitment to further deepening the integration between the two countries’ respective defence industrial sectors and to work together to identify opportunities for co-design, co-development, co-production with the objective of not only fulfilling the defence needs of the Indian armed forces, but also of providing a viable and reliable source of defence supplies to other friendly countries. They noted that defence industrial collaboration, especially from the design stage, not only creates quality jobs for the youth and advances Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, but also supports a broader progress in scientific, technological, digital and material sciences fields to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat for 2047. Towards this end, the two leaders welcomed the adoption of an ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap.

21. In the broader context of the ambitious collaboration, and as more detailed in the industrial roadmap, they welcomed the progress in the establishment of the MRO for LEAP engines in India by Safran and the plans to add MRO for Rafale engines, a comprehensive helicopter partnership with a Joint Venture for IMRH engine between HAL and Safran, and the Scorpene submarines constructed in India, including indigenisation. They also welcomed the discussions between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA), and intend to conclude an Arrangement MoU in an early timeframe.

22. Recalling the two countries’ partnership over six decades in space, the two leaders welcome the establishment of the Strategic Space Dialogue, launched in June 2023 to provide strategic guidance and direction across the all aspects of space cooperation. They rededicated themselves to further expanding space cooperation for the benefit of their countries, humanity and the planet, including through co-development, manufacture and launch of satellites and payloads, research in new launch vehicle technologies and reusable launch vehicles and connecting the startups and users in both countries. They agreed to take full advantage of the opportunities in the Space sector in both countries. They welcomed the MoU between NSIL and Arianespace to build a long-term partnership on satellite launch missions. Prime Minister Modi and President Macron welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent on Defence Space Cooperation.

23. The leaders reiterated the strategic significance of cyberspace and welcomed discussions on deeper collaboration on resilient cyber infrastructure and enhancing cyber preparedness through the first India-France cyber security dialogue held earlier this month.

24. ​The two leaders noted that their shared vision of harnessing innovation and technology, including in the digital domain and advanced computing, for advancing public good, inclusive prosperity of the people and addressing global challenges, have fostered a robust partnership in the realm of digital cooperation. Recognizing the philosophical convergence in their approaches towards fostering open, democratic and inclusive and sovereign digital economies, both leaders called for sustained collaboration in building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). To further synergize global efforts on building DPI capacities, France expressed its support to join One Future Alliance (OFA), as agreed in G20 Leaders Summit in September 2023. Both leaders welcomed the operationalizing of India’s real-time payment system-Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the emblematic Eiffel Tower of France and discussions on a number of other applications of DPI in France and open-source solutions for developing the French Gov Stack and public service solutions. The dynamism of the collaborative mechanism initiated by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of India in Paris, called InFraStructure, of which the coming 3.0 edition is scheduled in Spring 2024, is key for developing new concrete projects around transportation, mobility, and ecological transition. They were delighted with the launch of a project by Aivancity (Grande Ecole on Artificial Intelligence), mentored and supported by India’s Foundation for Interoperable Digital Economy (FIDE) to use their open source BeckN Protocol to enhance travel and stay experience during Paris Olympics. The leaders encouraged the work being carried out for promoting inclusion and diversity in technology with a special focus on women and youth.

25. Recognizing the evolving landscape of technology, both leaders underlined the imperative for effective multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure the development of safe, secure and trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, for public good and innovation, including its regulation and governance, in line with G20 Delhi Declaration on commitment to harness AI responsibly for good and for all. This commitment to enhance Collaborative AI for Global Partnership for promoting equitable access to critical AI resources was further re-iterated at the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) Summit convened under the Chairmanship of India in December 2023. In this context, India welcomed the forthcoming French Summit on AI. They emphasized the need for collaboration in R&D, innovation, and industrial implementation of critical digital technologies while deploying these to effectively tackle challenges associated with climate change, health and agriculture.

26. Prime Minister Modi and President Macron stressed that nuclear energy is an essential part of the energy mix for strengthening energy security and transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. Both leaders acknowledged the India-France civil nuclear ties and efforts in cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, notably in relation with the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project. They agree to convene a special task force on nuclear energy within three months in the framework of the Indo-French Strategic Dialogue.

27. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with their close cooperation through their jointly launched International Solar Alliance to support third countries in their solar programmes, particularly, through the STAR-C Programme. They welcomed the agreement to support creation of a Solar Academy in Senegal through joint research and development. Both sides welcomed that France has also formally submitted its candidacy to become the next co-chair of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructures, a multi-stakeholder global partnership that aims to strengthen resilient infrastructure systems, launched by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit.

28. The two leaders reiterated their firm support to the ongoing negotiations for an India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

29. The two leaders noted the progress in the deliberations of the bilateral CEOs Forum, following its meeting on 14 July 2023. Noting the record level of bilateral trade in 2023, they acknowledged that there is a vast untapped potential for trade and investment. Both leaders highlighted the need to maintain strong confidence for companies investing in France and in India. They both acknowledged the importance of the Fast-track mechanism, a unique bilateral forum to address issues pertaining to investments. Both sides highlighted the emergence of France as the most attractive investment destination in the Europe and of India as the fastest-growing major economy, driven by ambitious and bold reforms in both countries. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the strong growth in investments by French companies, including SMEs, across a broad range of sectors in India, which contribute to expand the pool of quality jobs and internships for the Indian youth and French VIEs.

30. Both leaders welcomed the decision of Airbus in partnership with Tata Advanced System to begin the assembly of civilian helicopters in India. They will become the first private sector companies to produce helicopters in India, in line with the strategy of Atmanirbhar Bharat. They also noted the decision of Airbus to give growing orders for aircraft parts in India for its assembly plants in Europe. Both leaders agreed to facilitate more Indian investments to France and French investments to India. They noted the initiatives by the French and Indian companies to increase their footprint in low carbon energy in India. It was also noted that India was committed to working in this domain and had recently announced Indicative targets for use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for international flights. Both sides recognized the know-how and expertise of French companies in railway transportation and acknowledged the potential for cooperation in this area to meet growing infrastructure needs in India.

31. The leaders welcomed the outcomes of the First Bilateral Dialogue under the India-France Roadmap on Blue Economy and Ocean Governance in Paris on 12 October 2023 and agreed to strengthen their ongoing partnership. Both sides reiterated deepening of scientific and technical cooperation in areas such as Coastal Ecosystems, Blue Carbon Ecosystems, Fisheries, Marine Spatial Planning and Coastal Resilience. Recognizing the pivotal role of education and training in Blue Economy, both sides agreed to cooperate through facilitation of exchange programs, development of Centre of Excellence, sharing of best practices and mutual exchange programs of experts. Both sides also agreed to cooperate and support each other’s initiatives aimed at sustainable use of oceans and closely coordinate in the relevant international bodies on Ocean governance.

32.​ In acknowledgement of the paramount significance of advancing scientific knowledge, research and innovation, and recalling long and enduring engagement between India and France in these areas, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron declared 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation. The two sides will work out a detailed Roadmap, identifying priority areas and engaging relevant institutions.

33. The two leaders welcomed the holding of the Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Technology earlier this month, and signing of implementing agreements between Department of Science and Technology and French National Research Agency, to facilitate research collaborations in a broad range of areas of emerging priorities for the two countries, including in Energy, Applied Mathematics, Health and Marine sciences. They also agreed to substantially increase the funding of CEFIPRA and promote through expanded scholarship programmes the exchange of research scholars between institutions on both sides.

34. The two leaders recognized the importance of vocational training as a field for stronger bilateral cooperation and welcomed the discussions on signing of MoU identifying priority areas (arts and crafts, fashion, hospitality, tourism, energy, audiovisual sector) and methods of cooperation. The visit of Jaipur allowed the President and the Prime Minister to underline the artistic, social and economic importance of the arts and crafts sector. India will be among the priority countries of the implementation of the international pillar of the French strategy on arts and crafts.

35. They noted progress in the Indo-French Campus in the field of Life sciences for Health mobilizing universities in France and its overseas territory La Reunion Island to partner with Indian institutions. For the second time, the French government will provide those academic and research partners with €1 million in order to sustain their research and the joint effort of building together double degrees, in order to foster student and faculty mobility in both countries. They welcomed the signing of Declaration of Intent for cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine which aims to strengthen collaboration in R&D, APIs, IT based medical equipment and Digital health.

36. Recognizing the pivotal role of cross-border mobility and its power to cultivate shared values, forge lasting connections, and stimulate innovation, the two leaders underlined the importance of the regular conduct of Consular and Migration and Mobility Exchange dialogues. As agreed in July last year, the French Embassy in Delhi has activated the five-year Schengen visas scheme to Indians who have pursued studies in France for a minimum of one semester at Master’s degree level at a university recognized by the French university system. Further, to enable fluid exchange of ideas, skills, cultures and talents between India and France, both sides agreed to actively promote student mobility and youth exchanges within each other’s higher education institutions and to encourage language programmes, including the promotion of each other’s languages in schools and colleges. Therefore, both leaders have agreed to support the initiative of setting up international classes which will enable, from September 2024 onwards, Indian students to be taught French as a foreign language, methodology and academic contents in highly reputed French universities in France during one academic year, before entering their chosen curricula in France. They also welcomed the operationalization of Young Professional Scheme to provide accelerated movement of professionals between India and France in relevant sectors. They agreed that this would sow the seeds of future partnerships and open up new frontiers of opportunities for the youth of the two countries. President Macron reiterated the French intention to create conditions to attract up to 30,000 Indian students a year to French institutions of higher learning. Prime Minister Modi invited globally renowned French universities and institutions of higher learning to set up institutions in India under the New Education Policy.

37. Recognizing the importance of strengthening sports cooperation, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron agreed to boost youth exchanges and links between economic actors of the sports industry by facilitating the hosting of Indian sports delegation in French training facilities in order to create opportunities for Indian athletes, particularly with a view to major sporting events. President Macron conveyed that France would share its experience of hosting the Paris Olympics and Paralympics 2024 in context of India’s bid to host the Olympics and Paralympics Games in 2036, in particular by exchanging expertise regarding the organization of major international sporting events.

38. Recalling the ambition underlying the Letter of intent signed on the occasion of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in July 2023, Prime Minister and President Macron noted progress in partnering with France on the National Museum of India project. France also agreed to support the National Maritime Heritage Complex project. Prime Minister invited France to support these two ambitious programs, and for collaboration in setting up a centre of excellence in the development and management of museums, conservation and display of artifacts and enhancing visitor experience.

39. To enhance people-to-people ties and to further consular services in two countries, both leaders welcomed the forthcoming establishment of India’s first Consulate General in mainland France at Marseille and for France establishing its Bureau in Hyderabad.

40. President Macron’s visit, which closed the celebrations of 25 years of India-France Strategic Partnership on a historic note, has set the stage for the next phase of the partnership to 2047 and beyond, with high ambitions, huge responsibilities and hard determination. This is a partnership of great importance for our people and for the causes that are critical for the future of our world and our planet. To seize the opportunities of a rapidly evolving world and work together closely on the challenges that emerge in the flux of our times, the two leaders agreed to remain closely engaged directly on regular basis. In this context, the two leaders committed to holding Annual Summits, including during multilateral Summits, to drive closer cooperation.

41. President Macron thanked Hon’ble President of India and Prime Minister Modi for the warm welcome and hospitality and for productive discussions and concrete outcomes.