PM Modi, Macron commit to bolster India-France strategic ties, focus on defence and AI

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reviewed bilateral cooperation, including in strategic areas such as defence, space and civil nuclear energy, and committed to accelerating it further with a view to reinforcing their "shared commitment to strategic autonomy" in a meeting at Rio.

This was their third bilateral meeting this year.

"During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advance the India-France Strategic Partnership as well as their shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership, outlined in the Horizon 2047 roadmap and other bilateral declarations," said Indian govt in a statement. Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues , including the Indo-Pacific where France is a resident power..

"The two leaders commended strengthening of trade, investment and technology ties, including in the areas of digital technology and AI, as well as India-France partnership on digital public infrastructure," said the government.

"In this context, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the initiative of President Macron to organize the forthcoming AI Action Summit in France," said the government.