India-France Joint Statement amidst G20
On September 10, 2023, during the G-20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi, the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, met privately with H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron over lunch. The progress in their bilateral ties since their previous meeting in July 2023 in Paris was examined, evaluated, and reviewed by the two leaders. Additionally, they discussed significant regional and international happenings.
Following Prime Minister Modi's historic trip to Paris on July 13–14, 2023, as the Guest of Honour for French National Day on July 14, 2023, which will mark the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France, President Macron will go to India.
Both leaders emphasised the need to increase their cooperation to address regional and global challenges. They acknowledged the strength of the India-France partnership, founded on deep trust, shared values, the belief in sovereignty and strategic autonomy, a resolute commitment to international law and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, an abiding faith in multilateralism, and a mutual pursuit of a stable multi-polar world. In turbulent times that are transforming the world order, they reaffirmed their steadfast resolve to work as a force for good, spreading the concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," or "one earth, one family, one future."
The two leaders discussed overall progress and next steps on the implementation of the new and ambitious goals for cooperation in areas of defence, space, nuclear energy, digital public infrastructure, critical technology, climate change, education, and people-to-people contacts. As recent points of reference, they used the "Horizon 2047" Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap, and other outcomes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. They continued talking about the relationship between France and India in the Indo-Pacific and in Africa, particularly in initiatives involving infrastructure, connectivity, energy, biodiversity, sustainability, and industrial development. Through their collaboration within the framework of the International Solar Alliance, founded by India and France, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, they highlighted their role as solution providers for the Indo-Pacific.
President Macron praised Prime Minister Modi for India's Mission Chandrayaan 3 accomplishment. The two presidents reviewed the developments since the first Strategic Space Dialogue was held in June 2023 and reflected on the six decades of India-France space collaboration. They commended the continued engagement of both parties to expand bilateral cooperation to establish a partnership for co-developing SMR and AMR technologies as well as the impending signing of a specific declaration of intent. They also acknowledged the strong civil nuclear ties between France and India, good progress in the discussion for the Jaitapur nuclear plant project, and the strong civil nuclear ties between India and France. France reaffirmed its staunch and unwavering support for India's Nuclear Suppliers Group membership.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding manufacturing in India, especially for third nations in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, and strengthening defence cooperation through partnerships in the design, development, testing, and manufacture of cutting-edge defence technologies and systems. They demanded the early completion of the Defence Industrial Roadmap in this regard as well.
Both presidents emphasised the importance of cooperation in fields including digital, science, technological innovation, education, culture, health, and the environment while calling for the strengthening of institutional ties in these areas, following the example of the Indo-French Campus for the Indo-Pacific. In this regard, they also reaffirmed their commitment to increase cross-cultural interactions and collaborate on museum growth.
In order to foster inclusivity, unity, and cohesiveness in international efforts to confront global challenges and create a more stable global order, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Macron for France's ongoing support of India's G-20 Presidency. India and France both commended the African Union for joining the G-20 and expressed a desire to cooperate with the AU for the advancement, prosperity, and development of Africa.