India-France strategic partnership deepening, says PM Modi as he meets French diplomatic advisor

The India-France Strategic Partnership is further deepening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after meeting Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President, on Thursday.

"Had a fruitful meeting with Mr. Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to President Macron covering a wide range of issues from Defence & security to culture. Glad that our Strategic Partnership is further deepening. Conveyed invitation to my friend @EmmanuelMacron to visit India," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Modi highlighted the close cooperation between India and France in various domains of their Strategic Partnership including defence, security, and the Indo-Pacific. The Prime Minister also welcomed France’s support to India’s G20 Presidency.

Bonne conveyed President Emmanuel Macron’s message of friendship to Prime Minister and

Discussions were also held on other areas of mutual interest and cooperation including energy, and culture.

Prime Minister Modi fondly recalled his recent meeting with President Emanuel Macron in Bali and conveyed his invitation to President Macron to visit India. Bonne said President Macron looks forward to his early visit to India, the MEA added.

Bonne also briefed Prime Minister Modi on the 36th Indo-French Strategic Dialogue with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, held earlier during the day.

During the Strategic Dialogue, both Bonne and Doval reaffirmed their commitment to moving forward with their strategic collaboration to maintain peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific. They also discussed the global security situation in the context of the Ukraine conflict and the regional security situation in the context of Afghanistan, the MEA said.

The previous Strategic Dialogue took place in Paris in November 2021.

Bonne's visit coincides with the expansion of the Indo-French strategic alliance as it approaches its 25th anniversary.

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.