In a concerted effort to enhance collaboration in the Southwest Indian Ocean, India and France have concurred to intensify their cooperative endeavors. This initiative builds upon the joint surveillance missions executed from the French island territory of La Reunion in both 2020 and 2022.
Maritime Collaboration Extended in India’s Vicinity
The bilateral interaction between the two nations extends to India’s maritime neighborhood, holding the potential to positively influence the securitization of crucial sea lanes. This development follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India during the Republic Day celebrations, as outlined in the India-France Joint Statement.
Renewed Commitment to Indo-Pacific Partnership
Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron, in reaffirming their commitment, expressed their dedication to further deepen the enduring partnership. This commitment is grounded in their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region.
Emphasizing Regional Significance
The leaders highlighted the region’s strategic importance to their respective sovereign and strategic interests. Acknowledging the vital role of their partnership, they emphasized its contribution to fostering a free, open, inclusive, secure, and peaceful Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Comprehensive Roadmap for the Indo-Pacific
Referring to the finalized Comprehensive Roadmap for the Indo-Pacific in July 2023, the leaders expressed satisfaction with the expanding nature of their engagement in the region.
Cornerstone Defense and Security Partnership
The joint statement underscores the defense and security partnership as the cornerstone of the India-France collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. This partnership encompasses a comprehensive range of initiatives in the Indian Ocean Region.
Trilateral Cooperation and New Collaborations
PM Modi and President Macron committed to revitalizing trilateral cooperation with Australia, deepening ties with the UAE, and exploring new collaborations in the region.
Joint Initiatives for Sustainable Development
Recognizing the importance of joint and multilateral initiatives, the leaders called for concrete projects supporting sustainable economic development, human welfare, environmental sustainability, resilient infrastructure, innovation, and connectivity in the region.
Launching the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund
The leaders agreed to expedite the launch of the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund to facilitate the scaling up of green technologies in the region.
Economic Coordination in the Pacific
Both leaders expressed willingness to explore opportunities for coordinating economic projects and programs in the Pacific, acknowledging projects by the French Development Agency in India.
India-Middle East-Europe Corridor
Recalling the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, the leaders emphasized its strategic importance, enhancing commerce and energy flow between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
Support for Reformed Multilateralism
PM Modi and President Macron reiterated their call for reformed and effective multilateralism to sustain an equitable and peaceful international order. They emphasized the urgent need for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and called for text-based negotiations at the Intergovernmental Negotiations in the UN.
G20 Summit and Global Financing Summit
The leaders recognized the G20 Summit in Delhi and the Paris Global Financing Summit’s outcomes, emphasizing the need for reforming Multilateral Development Banks to address development and climate issues in developing and least developed countries.
Strengthened Conversations on Veto Regulation
France reiterated its firm support for India’s permanent membership in the UNSC. The leaders agreed to strengthen conversations on the regulation of the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities.
Enhanced Cooperation on Debt Restructuring
Acknowledging enhanced cooperation between the Paris Club and India in official debt restructuring cases, the leaders welcomed the report submitted by the Independent Expert Group under the Indian G20 Presidency, providing concrete suggestions for improvement.
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