New Delhi: India and France co-chaired a key strategic dialogue here on Tuesday as the two sides explored opportunities for joint development and collaboration in the spirit of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The two countries discussed ongoing bilateral initiatives spanning the domains of security, defence, technology, space, and civil nuclear cooperation, it said.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Bonne, co-chaired the 38th India-France Strategic Dialogue.
The discussions between Doval and Bonne included the “evolving geopolitical situation as well as regional and international issues”, the readout said without giving details. “Both sides underscored the importance of closer cooperation to address challenges in the global security environment, with the aim of advancing peace and stability,” the readout said.
The people cited above said the discussions on civil nuclear cooperation covered both France’s long-gestating plans to build a nuclear power plant in India, including changes under a new Indian nuclear liability law, and collaboration on small modular reactors (SMRs).
Bonne also met Modi, who reaffirmed the “strong and trusted India-France Strategic Partnership, marked by close cooperation across multiple domains”. Modi said on social media it was encouraging to see bilateral collaboration expanding to innovation, technology and education. “Also exchanged perspectives on key regional and global issues. Look forward to welcoming President Macron to India soon,” Modi added.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar, who also met Bonne, said on social media that they exchanged views on further strengthening the strategic partnership.
