India-France FTA Push: Modi & Macron Boost Trade Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held extensive bilateral talks in France, pushing for the early implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. This agreement is seen as a unique opportunity to significantly expand bilateral trade and investment between India and the European Union.

Key Discussions & Agreements

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing defence collaboration, aiming to intensify it with a focus on co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence platforms and advanced technologies.

• Space Sector: They discussed furthering cooperation in human spaceflight and space situational awareness, exploring avenues to expand private sector involvement.
• Civil Nuclear Energy: Noted new opportunities under India’s SHANTI Act, including collaboration on small and advanced modular reactors.
• Economic Growth: Agreed to establish a High-level Mechanism to double bilateral trade within five years, reviewing progress under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
• Innovation: Adopted an ‘Innovation Roadmap 2030’ to provide long-term direction to the partnership.
• Artificial Intelligence: Agreed to create a Joint India-France AI Working Group.

Strategic Partnership & Future Outlook

The discussions covered diverse aspects of bilateral relations, marking the first meeting since the elevation of India-France ties to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ earlier this year.

Both leaders exchanged perspectives on global issues, including the situations in West Asia and Ukraine. They reiterated the importance of their strategic partnership for advancing international peace, stability, and prosperity.