PM Modi leaves for Paris, says ‘time to discuss Indo-French relations in next 25 years’

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday exuded confidence that his visit to France would add new momentum to the bilateral strategic partnership and said he looked forward to holding wide-ranging discussions with President Emmanuel Macron on taking this time-tested relationship forward. in the next 25 years. In his departure statement, Modi said his visit to France is particularly special as he will join President Macron as the guest of honor at the French National Day or Bastille Day celebrations in Paris.

The Indian tri-services contingent will be part of the Bastille Day parade, while Indian Air Force aircraft will fly-past on the occasion, he said. Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of our strategic partnership. Rooted in deep trust and commitment, Modi said the two countries cooperate closely in various fields including defence, space, civil nuclear, blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people ties.

“We also work together on regional and global issues,” he added. “I look forward to meeting President Macron and holding wide-ranging discussions on taking this long-standing and time-tested partnership forward into the next 25 years,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister pointed out that he has had the opportunity to meet President Macron several times since his last official visit to France in 2022, most recently in Hiroshima, Japan during the G-7 Summit in May 2023.

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“I also look forward to my talks with the French leadership, including the Prime Minister of France, Ms. Elisabeth Borne, the President of the Senate, Mr. Gérard Larcher, and the President of the National Assembly, Ms. Yael Braun-Pivet,” he added. Said. During his visit, Modi said, he will also have the opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community, prominent CEOs of both the countries as well as prominent French personalities.

“I am confident that my visit will give a new impetus to our strategic partnership,” the Prime Minister said. From Paris, Modi said, he will travel to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on July 15 for an official visit. “I look forward to meeting my friend, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.” Dhabhi,” he said.

“Our two countries are engaged in a wide range of areas such as trade, investment, energy, food security, science and technology, education, fintech, defence, security and strong people-to-people ties,” he said. Modi said last year that President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and he had agreed on a roadmap on the future of the bilateral partnership and he looked forward to holding discussions with him on further deepening ties.

Noting that the UAE will host the 28th Conference of the UNFCCC (COP-28) later this year, the Prime Minister said he looks forward to strengthening global cooperation towards accelerating climate action to facilitate the energy transition and implementation Also looking forward to exchange ideas on doing this. of the Paris Agreement. “I am confident that my visit to the UAE will open a new chapter in our comprehensive strategic partnership,” he added.