NEW DELHI – India and France on Tuesday reaffirmed their “strong and trusted” strategic partnership during a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Delighted to meet Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Adviser to President Macron,” Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X. The discussions underscored a deepening commitment to cooperation in innovation, technology and education, while also addressing key geopolitical issues ahead of President Macron’s highly anticipated visit to India.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction following the meeting, noting that the partnership—dating back to 1998 as India’s first-ever strategic alliance—is evolving into several new and vital domains.
He specifically highlighted the importance of the India–France Year of Innovation, stressing that the expansion of collaboration in research and science directly benefits entrepreneurs and the youth of both countries.
The meeting coincided with the 38th India–France Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Emmanuel Bonne. During the dialogue, officials reviewed a wide range of bilateral cooperation, including security, defence, space, and civil nuclear energy, reflecting the increasingly diverse agenda between New Delhi and Paris.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that the relationship is built on a foundation of mutual trust and shared interests in global peace and prosperity.
French officials reportedly described the engagement as a constructive preparatory step to ensure that President Macron’s forthcoming visit delivers substantive outcomes across multiple sectors.
As Europe remains a central pillar of India’s diplomatic strategy, the continued India–France collaboration signals a shared vision for a stable, innovative and technologically advanced future.