India-France Joint Statement Highlights Bilateral Commitments at G-20 Summit
New Delhi, September 10: During the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 10, 2023, Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the President of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, engaged in a bilateral meeting over lunch. They reviewed the progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in July 2023 in Paris, discussing significant international and regional developments.
President Macron’s visit to India followed Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Paris on July 13-14, 2023, as the Guest of Honour for French National Day. This visit marked the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership.
Both leaders emphasized the robust India-France partnership, based on trust, shared values, sovereignty, strategic autonomy, adherence to international law, and commitment to the UN Charter’s principles. They reaffirmed their dedication to serving as a force for good, carrying the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (one earth, one family, one future) during challenging times that are shaping the global order.
With reference to the ‘Horizon 2047’ Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap, and other recent developments during Prime Minister Modi’s visit, the two leaders discussed the implementation of ambitious goals for cooperation in various domains. These include defense, space, nuclear energy, digital public infrastructure, critical technology, climate change, education, and people-to-people contacts. They also addressed India-France partnership in the Indo-Pacific region and Africa, particularly in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, biodiversity, sustainability, and industrial projects. Both leaders underlined their roles as solution providers for the Indo-Pacific through their cooperation within the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
President Macron congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the success of Mission Chandrayaan 3, recalling six decades of India-France space cooperation. They discussed India-France civil nuclear ties, including the Jaitapur nuclear plant project and plans for co-developing SMR and AMR technologies, with France expressing strong support for India’s Nuclear Suppliers Group membership.
Both leaders committed to strengthening defense cooperation, including joint ventures for advanced defense technologies and platforms, along with expanding production in India for the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. They called for the early finalization of the Defense Industrial Roadmap.
In addition, they emphasized cooperation in digital, science, technological innovation, education, culture, health, and the environment. They called for stronger institutional linkages in these areas, similar to the Indo-French Campus for the Indo-Pacific, and expressed commitment to expanding cultural exchanges and collaborating on museum development.
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Macron for France’s continued support for India’s G-20 Presidency, which fostered inclusiveness, unity, and cohesion in international efforts to address global challenges and establish a more stable global order. India and France also welcomed the African Union’s G-20 membership and anticipate working with the AU to promote progress, prosperity, and development in Africa.
