NEW DELHI: The diplomatic advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, Emmanuel Bonne, held discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, occurring two weeks before the French President’s scheduled visit to India to take part in the Republic Day celebrations.
“Glad to meet Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to President of France. Spoke about strong India-France convergence on multiple issues. Also, shared perspectives on global developments of mutual concern,” Jaishankar said in a post on the microblogging site X.
“Look forward to President @EmmanuelMacron’s State visit for #RepublicDay2024,” he said.
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Bonne is visiting New Delhi as part of the preparations for the trip by Macron, who will be the chief guest for the Republic Day on January 26.
In another statement, Jaishankar extended congratulations to Stephane Sejourne for being appointed as France’s new Foreign Minister, taking over from Catherine Colonna.
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“Congratulations @steph_sejourne on your appointment as the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic,” he wrote.
“Looking forward to working with you for further strengthening our strategic partnership and realising goals set by our leaders,” Jaishankar added.
Macron received an invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations when US President Joe Biden had to decline due to his hectic schedule. This decision underscored the robust strategic relationship between India and France, particularly in the areas of defence, security, civilian nuclear cooperation, and emerging technologies.
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In the previous year, the Indian government sanctioned the acquisition of 26 naval versions of the Rafale combat aircraft from France. This addition follows the earlier procurement of 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force.
During Macron’s visit to India, it is anticipated that several significant agreements will be revealed.
In addition to collaborating on the joint development of defence equipment, with the intention of supplying to third countries, India and France have intensified their partnership in maritime security within the Indian Ocean.