French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting Mumbai to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Defence, artificial intelligence and critical minerals are major topics.
President Emmanuel Macron extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to participate in the G7 summit to be hosted by France in 2026. According to a joint statement, Macron invited India to actively participate in discussions and preparatory work ahead of the summit, particularly on key issues related to addressing global macroeconomic imbalances and defining a new model for international partnerships and solidarity.The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The joint statement stated, “The advancement of the relationship will enhance cooperation between the two countries in sectors of the future, in order to enhance their sovereignty and independence in decision-making, and respond together to the major challenges facing our world, including through cooperation between India and the European Union.”They reaffirmed their call for a reformed and effective multilateralism to maintain a just and peaceful international order, address pressing global challenges and prepare the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic fields.
The two leaders particularly stressed the urgent need for reform of the UN Security Council, with France reiterating its support for India’s permanent membership in the Council.The two leaders also reiterated their concern about the war in Ukraine, which continues to cause “enormous human suffering and negative global consequences.”The statement said that they “stressed the importance of cessation of hostilities and expressed their support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, including independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
They also agreed to intensify joint research, joint design, joint development and joint production of advanced defense platforms, including in the field of air, sea and land systems, and emerging dual-use technologies, in line with the ambitious defense industrial roadmap agreed in 2024.Building on existing confidence in high-technology cooperation, the two leaders agreed to form a joint advanced technology development group to explore opportunities for joint development of emerging and critical technologies in specific niche areas to retain a competitive military advantage and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities.
