During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris, India and France decided to build new generation military equipment as part of a long-term roadmap, according to French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain.

The ambassador also claimed that there is “real” political agreement in France to strengthen connections with India, citing talks Modi had with the leaders of the French Senate, the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne.

It demonstrates that there is genuine agreement in France on India. There is no distinction. At a media briefing, Lenain remarked, “Everyone is very supportive, and it is one of the hallmarks of our collaboration.

On July 13 and 14, Prime Minister Modi travelled to Paris, where both leaders reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral strategic collaboration, notably in the area of defence.

“The two nations have traditionally placed a high priority on defence cooperation because we believe that security is a prerequisite for independence. We also need high-quality tools and technology to be secure, added Lenain.

The purchase of 26 Rafale-M (naval variant) aircraft and the three-Scorpene submarine from France was approved on July 13 by the Defence Acquisition Council, which is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.The representative claimed that the two nations are putting together a production schedule for cutting-edge military gear and technologies.”We have made the decision to collaborate and co-develop the upcoming equipment. In the area of defence, we are developing a plan, he stated without going into further detail.

Lenain added that the two sides are trying to greatly expand their defence collaboration, so it goes far beyond just one or two platforms.

Modi’s visit to Paris, according to Ambassador Lenain, was a sign of “trust and strong partnership” between the two nations.

“It was a very good and significant visit to send a strong message of trust and friendship,” he continued.

The envoy reported some progress on the 1650 MW nuclear power plant in Jaitapur, Maharashtra.

All issues, including those pertaining to civil nuclear liability, cost, and techno-commercial issues, are being discussed by both parties.

In order to commemorate the 100th anniversary of both India’s independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, both sides decided to adopt a 25-year roadmap during Modi’s visit. The roadmap will determine the course for the bilateral relationship up to 2047.

A century of bilateral relations will be represented by the blueprint for the following 25 years. The roadmap is extremely ambitious, according to Lenain.

He declared that both parties are dedicated to increasing their mutual collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.

Following discussions between Modi and Macron, the two leaders of France and India unveiled a framework for enhancing Indo-Pacific cooperation.

“Our two countries believe in a free, open, inclusive, secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific region,” the roadmap stated.

According to the statement, “We believe that the India-France partnership will be a crucial pillar of the interconnected and intersecting arrangements in the Indo-Pacific region and indispensable for a peaceful and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific region.”