Visit to France Sparks New Impetus to 25 years of Strategic Partnership: Boldly Advancing Bilateral Ties By PM Modi.

PM Modi expressed in his departure statement that his visit to France held exceptional significance as he would have the honor of being the Guest of Honour during the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, joining President Macron in the festivities. | Photo Credit: Twitter@PMOIndia

During his visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his utmost confidence that the journey will breathe fresh life into the longstanding strategic partnership between the two nations. PM Modi eagerly anticipates engaging in comprehensive discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, envisioning a continued and robust relationship that will transcend the next 25 years.

In his departure statement, PM Modi highlighted the exceptional significance of his visit to France coinciding with the esteemed French National Day, also known as Bastille Day. He will grace the celebrations in Paris as the esteemed Guest of Honour, accompanied by an Indian tri-services contingent participating in the Bastille Day Parade. Additionally, the Indian Air Force will captivate the audience with an impressive fly-past during the festivities.

Acknowledging the remarkable milestone of 25 years of strategic partnership between India and France, PM Modi emphasized the profound trust and unwavering commitment that underpin their close cooperation in various domains. These include defense, space, civil nuclear energy, the blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people ties. Moreover, the two nations join hands in tackling regional and global challenges of mutual concern.

PM Modi eagerly anticipates his extensive discussions with President Macron, building upon their previous meetings held since his last official visit to France in 2022, including their most recent encounter in Hiroshima, Japan during the G-7 Summit in May 2023.

The prime minister also looks forward to engaging with other prominent French leaders, including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, Senate President Gerard Larcher, and National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet. Furthermore, he eagerly anticipates interacting with the dynamic Indian community, distinguished CEOs from both nations, and prominent personalities of France. PM Modi is confident that this visit to France will breathe new life into the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Following his time in Paris, PM Modi will embark on an official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on July 15. He eagerly anticipates meeting with his friend, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who also serves as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. PM Modi reflects on the extensive collaboration between India and the UAE across various sectors, such as trade, investments, energy, food security, science and technology, education, fintech, defense, security, and robust people-to-people ties. The prime minister seeks to build on the Roadmap for bilateral partnership established with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, further strengthening their ties.

Recognizing the upcoming 28th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP-28) to be hosted by the UAE later this year, PM Modi eagerly looks forward to exchanging views on enhancing global cooperation in accelerating climate action, facilitating the energy transition, and effectively implementing the Paris Agreement.

The prime minister is confident that his visit to the UAE will open a new chapter in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE. With these optimistic prospects, PM Modi boarded his flight to Paris, ready to embark on a fruitful journey of advancing bilateral ties.