PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to France and UAE: Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a visit to France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from July 13-15, aimed at deepening cooperation between the countries. With a focus on areas such as defence, security, energy, and global partnerships, PM Modi’s visit holds significance for strengthening bilateral ties. This article provides an overview of the key highlights and objectives of the visit.

France – Strengthening Strategic Partnership:

1.1. Honour at the Military Parade:

PM Modi has been invited as the chief guest at France’s military parade, a signal of high esteem. The last foreign leader to receive this invitation was former US president Donald Trump in 2017.

1.2. Formal Talks and Engagements:

Modi will hold formal talks with President Emmanuel Macron, followed by a state banquet and a private dinner hosted by the French president. Meetings with French counterparts and interactions with the Indian diaspora, business leaders, and notable personalities are also scheduled.

1.3. Defence Cooperation:

The visit is expected to finalize several agreements to enhance defence cooperation, including the acquisition of 26 naval variants of the Rafale combat jet and three Scorpene-class submarines. Additionally, discussions on joint development of fighter jet engines with Safran, a French aircraft equipment manufacturer, and a roadmap for defence-industrial cooperation are anticipated.

UAE – Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership:

2.1. Building on Strong Ties:

The India-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership has been steadily strengthening, and PM Modi’s visit aims to identify ways to enhance cooperation in various domains such as energy, education, healthcare, food security, fintech, defence, and culture.

2.2. Talks with UAE President:

PM Modi will hold talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, to discuss bilateral cooperation and future prospects.

2.3. Global Engagement:

Discussions will encompass global issues, particularly in the context of the UAE’s presidency of COP28 (Conference of the Parties) and India’s G20 presidency, where the UAE is a guest country.

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