We will jointly fight terror, radicalisation, says Macron after talks with Modi

Visiting French President Emmanuel Macron met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. He will take part in a Knowledge Summit, which will be attended by more than 200 academicians from both sides.

Stepping up cooperation in the Indian Ocean region will be one of the top issues that will be discussed by Mr. Macron and Mr. Modi during delegation-level talks. Besides defence, cooperation in the areas of nuclear energy and space are the other pillars of the strategic partnership between India and France.

14 AGREEMENTS SIGNED

India and France signed 14 pacts in the strategic areas of security, nuclear energy and protection of classified information after extensive talks between Mr. Modi and Mr. Macron. It included an agreement on ‘reciprocal logistical support’ by the armed forces of both sides.

The agreements include education, environment, urban development and railways.

Mr. Macron, at a joint press briefing with Mr. Modi, said India and France have decided to work together to deal with threats of terrorism and radicalisation. Defence cooperation between the two countries now has a new significance, he said.

Both the leaders also talked about cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT
Mr. Modi and Mr. Macron made a joint press statement at Hyderabad House.

Mr. Modi: “We are not only leaders of two strong independent countries and two diverse democracies, we are also successors to two rich and capable heritages. The history of India and France’s bilateral cooperation in defence, security, space is very long.

“Therefore, we have made two important agreements today, a pact to recognise each other’s educational needs, and the other is our migration and mobility partnership. These two agreements will prepare the framework of closest relations between our countrymen, our youth.

“I agree to reciprocal logistics support agreement between our forces in the history of our close defence cooperation.”

Mr. Macron: “The purpose is to make India our first strategic partner in the region and I want you to make France your first strategic partner in Europe and in the West world.” He stressed on the importance of stability in the Indian Ocean region, adding that France was with India for freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

COMPANIES SIGN CONTRACTS
French and Indian companies signed contracts worth 13 billion euros ($16 billion) on Saturday, the French presidency said in a statement.

The deals include a contract for France’s Safran to supply airline Spice Jet with engines, water system modernisation by Suez in the southern city of Davangere and a contract between industrial gas company Air Liquide and Sterlite, reports Reuters.

Mr. Macron talked about his personal rapport with Mr. Modi that was established after their meeting in Paris last year. “I think we have very good chemistry, our two great democracies have a historic relationship,“ he said.

The two sides will also sign an agreement on co-development of a full-fledged satellite constellation in the maritime domain.