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France expanding Role in Global Politics
Context:
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives to promote peace during a meeting with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who was in Paris for discussions ahead of the 19th Francophonie Summit. Scheduled for October 4-5, 2024, the summit will address key international issues.
About the Summit:
- Emphasising Multilingualism and Diversity
- The Francophonie Summit will highlight how multilingualism and cultural diversity foster collaboration among 321 million French speakers, including those in Puducherry, India.
- Overview of the Organisation Internationale: Founded in 1970, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie promotes the French language and cooperation among 88 member states.
- Theme and Focus of the Summit: Hosted by France for the first time in 33 years, the summit will focus on the theme “Create, Innovate and do Business in French” and support India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
- Renewing Multilateralism: Discussions will address renewing multilateralism and reforming the World Bank and IMF to better tackle global challenges.
- Addressing AI and Language Rights: The summit will also explore AI’s implications, emphasising language rights and diversity, leading up to the AI Action Summit in February 2025.
- The FrancoTech Fair: The FrancoTech Fair will accompany the summit, featuring 150+ exhibitors discussing AI, energy transition, and education, offering networking opportunities for young Indian innovators.
- Importance for France and India: Overall, the summit’s themes are crucial for both France and India, with important future events like the Paris AI Action Summit in 2025 and the India-France Year of Innovation in 2026.
Key Outcome of India-France Strategic Dialogue:
- Strategic Dialogue Discussions:During the India-France Strategic Dialogue, Mr. Doval discussed India’s plans to procure French aircraft and submarines for the Navy with French officials.
- Cost Reduction on Rafale-M Fighters: Sources confirmed that France agreed to a “significant reduction” in the cost of 26 Rafale-M fighters.
- Addressing Global Challenges:President Macron stressed the importance of India and France’s efforts to advance peace and address global challenges, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and India’s mediation efforts.
- Commitment to Horizon 2047 : Mr. Doval reiterated India’s commitment to implement the Horizon 2047 vision, as noted by the Indian Embassy in France.
Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations
India and France celebrate their long-standing strategic partnership, which has evolved since diplomatic relations were established in 1947 and elevated to a strategic level in 1998. As they mark the 25th anniversary of their partnership, both countries have agreed on a roadmap leading up to 2047, which will commemorate the centenary of India’s independence, their diplomatic relations, and the strategic partnership.
Key aspects of Horizon 2047
I – Partnership for security and sovereignty
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- Building sovereign defence capabilities together
- Providing concrete solutions to make Indo-Pacific an area of stability and sustainable development
- Putting space at the heart of our strategic relationship
- Adapting the fight against terrorism to the new threats to better protect our citizens
- Promoting a renewed and effective multilateralism
- Joining forces to make science, technological innovation and academic cooperation vectors of progress and independence for our countries
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II – Partnership for the planet
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- Strengthening energy security to meet our climate objectives
- Jointly addressing the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution
- Supporting urban and ecological transitions in India as well as social inclusion
- Strengthening trade and facilitating investments between our two countries, with a view to sustainable growth and transition to low carbon energy
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III – Partnership for the people
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- Promoting exchanges, especially for the benefit of youth.
- Promoting regular dialogue between our cultures
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