Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Saturday underlined the continued strength and global relevance of the India–France strategic partnership.
PM Modi described the discussions as ‘engaging’, emphasising that the bilateral relationship has consistently contributed to global stability and cooperation.
The leaders’ latest interaction builds on their regular dialogue in recent months, including phone conversations in August and September centred on the conflict in Ukraine.
Both sides reiterated their support for a peaceful and lasting resolution while emphasising the importance of restoring regional stability.
They also reviewed progress under key frameworks such as the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap and the Defence Industrial Roadmap, all of which seek to deepen cooperation in defence, technology, science and space.
Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for President Macron’s confirmation that he will attend the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in February 2026.
France and India, who earlier collaborated at the AI Action Summit in Paris, have agreed to intensify their engagement in emerging technologies to advance their shared vision for effective and modern multilateralism.
Macron highlighted that both countries aim to bolster their economic exchanges and broaden strategic cooperation, noting that such efforts enhance sovereignty and global independence.
PM Modi’s meeting with Macron was among several high-level engagements on a busy diplomatic day in Johannesburg.
He also held discussions with South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Brazil’s President Inácio Lula da Silva and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Additionally, PM Modi announced the launch of the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership alongside Australian and Canadian leaders, signalling India’s expanding role in shaping technology-focused global cooperation.
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