Bonne conveyed Macron’s message of friendship to Modi and briefed him on the strategic dialogue with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, which was held earlier in the day…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held deliberations on areas of mutual interest with French President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne, who called on him here.
Modi highlighted the close cooperation between India and France in various domains of their strategic partnership including defence, security and the Indo-Pacific.
He welcomed France’s support to India’s G20 presidency.
Bonne conveyed Macron’s message of friendship to Modi and briefed him on the strategic dialogue with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, which was held earlier in the day.
Discussions were also held on other areas of mutual interest and cooperation including energy, and culture.
Modi fondly recalled his recent meeting with President Macron in Bali and conveyed his invitation to Macron to visit India.
Bonne said Macron looks forward to his early visit to India.
Defence cooperation in IOR
India and France discussed a wide range of issues including defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and the Ukraine conflict during the 36th India-France Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday.
India and France held discussions on various issues including the current global security situation in the context of conflict in Ukraine, regional security in the context of Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, defence cooperation in the Indo Pacific and cyber security, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
NSA Doval led the Indian delegation while the French delegation was led by Diplomatic Advisor to the French President Emmanuel Bonne.
Later, Bonne also met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. “Glad to meet Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to President of France. Useful exchange of views on current issues of mutual interest,” EAM Jaishankar tweeted.
The last Strategic Dialogue was held in Paris in November 2021.
The India-France Strategic Partnership was established in 1998. It is based on a commitment to international law and belief in a multipolar world shaped by reformed and effective multilateralism.
The two sides are also committed to advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Their Indo-Pacific partnership encompasses defence and security, trade, investment, connectivity, health and sustainability.
There has been substantial development in all areas of bilateral cooperation thanks to frequent high-level meetings between heads of state and governments and expanding commercial ties, including in crucial sectors like space, nuclear energy, and defence.
Additionally, there is growing collaboration in fields like commerce and business, culture, science and technology, and education.