Narendra Modi embarks on strategic visit to France and UAE, aims to fortify ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on official visits to France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enhance strategic ties.

The visit to France, in response to an invitation by President Emmanuel Macron, holds special significance as Modi will join Macron for the French National Day, Bastille Day celebrations as a distinguished guest. A notable feature of the festivities will be the participation of an Indian tri-services contingent in the Bastille Day Parade and a fly-past by Indian Air Force aircraft.

Marking the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France, both countries have exhibited strong commitment and trust. Cooperation has been extensive, spanning several domains including defence, space, civil nuclear, blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people ties. Further discussions with Macron are anticipated, with an aim to propel this longstanding partnership over the next 25 years.

Besides Macron, Modi will engage with other French leaders including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, President of the Senate Gerard Larcher, and President of the National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet. Opportunities to interact with the Indian community, leading CEOs from both nations, and other significant French personalities are also on the agenda.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit France and UAE to boost strategic partnerships. Photo courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office, Government of India/Wikimedia Commons.

Following his France visit, Modi is set to visit Abu Dhabi, UAE on July 15, where he will meet with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President. India and the UAE maintain a dynamic relationship across diverse sectors, including trade, investments, energy, food security, science and technology, education, fintech, defence, and security. Both leaders previously agreed on a roadmap for the future of their partnership, and further discussions on deepening ties are expected.

As the UAE prepares to host the 28th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP-28), Modi expressed his interest in exploring ways to bolster global cooperation towards accelerating climate action and implementing the Paris Agreement. His visit to the UAE is anticipated to pave the way for a new chapter in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.