NEW DELHI: Emmanuel Bonne, the diplomatic advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, is all set for a one-day trip to the bustling city of Delhi on Thursday. The purpose of his visit is to strengthen the bilateral agenda and discuss potential outcomes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming two-day visit to Paris.
While the specifics of the visit are undisclosed by South Block, it is reported that Bonne will engage in intense discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Furthermore, he is anticipated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi before bidding adieu and heading back to France in the evening.
This series of meetings will serve as the foundation for the bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Macron on July 13, along with the grand celebration on Bastille Day, July 14.
India and France share a robust alliance, standing united in their fight against terrorism and driven by their common interests in the Indo-Pacific. France has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to this partnership by abstaining from providing weapons or platforms to India's adversaries in the northern and western regions.
Moreover, France has extended its support by offering to collaborate in the development and manufacture of high-thrust engines for India's future combat aircraft. Additionally, they are willing to assist in building Scorpene submarines for other countries at Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL), ensuring the continuity of this facility.
As part of their support for India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, France has also expressed readiness to manufacture advanced missiles and ammunition within the country.
The Indian Navy has put forward a recommendation to purchase 26 Rafale-Maritime jet fighters, including eight trainers, for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. However, the decision is pending approval from the Modi government, and the acquisition might be facilitated through a government-to-government (G2G) route. This recommendation follows the testing of the Rafale-Maritime and US-made F-18 fighters at the Goa shore-based testing facility. Meanwhile, India and France are actively working towards Prime Minister Modi's significant visit to Paris. In their discussions, high-ranking officials are likely to address the impact of the ongoing Ukraine war on Europe and assess the expanding presence of the Chinese PLA in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions.
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