Macron and Modi meet in Marseille in bid for independence
French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Marseille on February 12th, praising the cooperation and partnership between one another.
According to RFI on February 12th, this collaboration between Paris and New Delhi is regarded as an important symbol of their independence from dominant powers such as the US and China.
The visit began with the inauguration of the new Indian Consulate General in Marseille, a move set to reinforce India’s presence in France.
The day also included a visit to the construction site of the ITER experimental nuclear fusion reactor in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance.
The ITER project which is set to revolutionize energy production, sees India as playing an important role, meaning the visit might allow for fresh cooperation on smaller modular reactors in the civil nuclear sector.
Macron and Modi were also planning to “work on trade issues, particularly in the context of the development of the Imec corridor between Europe and India, and the increase in trade,” said the Elysée Palace.
Both leaders are focusing on trade, especially in relation to the Imec corridor, which intends to improve connectivity between Europe and India.
“This corridor through the Middle East is an incredible catalyst,” Macron explained at a Franco-Indian business forum on February 10th.
There are also plans for developing the port and energy sectors between the two countries.
Apart from trade, Paris intends to begin negotiations on India’s purchasing of French Rafale marine fighter jets and Scorpène submarines.
“India and France are two great powers and have a special intimacy that we respect. We want to work with the United States of America, we want to work with China, but we don’t want to depend on anyone,” said the French president on February 9th.
Macron particularly highlighted the fact that both countries are currently striving for their independence from dominant powers.
This comes as France continue to improve their relations with other countries, having just entered into an initiative with Morocco, assessing the environmental impact of AI.
RFI, Maghrebi, India Today
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