Published in: 01/26/2024 – 18:05

4 minutes

The strategic partnership between India and France has a bright future. On India's National Day – where Emmanuel Macron was the guest of honor – French President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, January 26, indicated their desire to strengthen the “unprecedented defense alliance” between Paris and New Delhi.

“We are in the process, in both the civil and military fields, of continuing this adventure because here we have a democracy that shares many of the same values”, announced Emmanuel Macron in front of French expatriates in New Delhi, far from accusations of authoritarian deviation from India .

The French head of state was the guest of honor of the Indian strongman at the celebration of the Indian Constitution which came into force on January 26, 1950, two years after independence.

The Foreign Legion opens the parade

The two leaders attended the parade side by side in a ceremony that combined British Royal traditions and contemporary Indian symbols.

Emmanuel Macron walked the main road leading to the Gate of India, the Arc de Triomphe in the heart of the Indian capital, with a carriage drawn by six horses and a guard of honor in full splendor.

After the Indian national anthem and 21 cannon shots, the Foreign Legion contingent, known for its rhythmic steps and white caps, opened the parade, followed by a flyover of two French Rafale fighter planes.

Behind the pollution, Russian T-90 tanks, camel cavalry, infantry and military figures on motorbikes then follow each other in parades often punctuated by sequences of folklore.

Far from Paris, Emmanuel Macron continues to follow the world agricultural crisis that threatens to block all of France.

Narendra Modi, who was the guest of honor at the July 14 military parade in Paris, returned the favor six months later.

Also readNarendra Modi, guest of honor on July 14: Illiberal India matters?

“Made in India”

The Hindu nationalist leader, determined to propel India onto the international stage, also aimed to transform his country into a major industrial power, in line with his slogan “Make in India”.

France, for its part, is eyeing new contracts with the world's fifth economy, ranging from defense to nuclear energy, including, if necessary, technology transfers, which its partners have strongly requested.

“We will continue to consolidate our alliances with one goal, to be there to 'Make in India' but to do so by exchanging technology in a calm manner, by making India the production hub for all our partnerships in the region”, summarized Emmanuel Macron.

India has purchased 36 French Rafales and is in negotiations to acquire another 26 Rafales. However, they want to develop their defense industrial base through joint ventures.

Roadmap

From defense aeronautics to autonomous vehicles and cyber defense, a roadmap has been agreed to jointly produce more products in India, India's Ministry of External Affairs announced.

Manufacturer Airbus and Indian conglomerate Tata Group have entered into a partnership to manufacture civil helicopters in India. The two countries, which have collaborated for 60 years in the space field, also signed a declaration of intent to launch a satellite.

As the country with the largest demographic power (1.43 billion people) and the country with the fifth largest economy in the world, India is a heavyweight and increasingly sought after. France, for its part, intends to be a player in the Asia-Pacific zone and a balancing force between North and South.

Human rights organizations have urged President Macron to raise these issues, including the oppression of religious minorities.

The case of French journalist Vanessa Dognac, who was threatened with expulsion for articles deemed “dangerous”, was also raised during the visit.

“I conveyed this message to your colleagues, to clarify things and for press freedom to be fully respected,” the President assured.

With AFP