France's Emmanuel Macron addresses press conference in India • FRANCE 24 English

Remarks by President Emmanuel Macron in India

Key Concepts:

• Strategic Autonomy: The principle of both France and India maintaining independent decision-making capabilities and not being subject to external hegemony.
• Indo-French Partnership: A long-standing and deepening bilateral relationship focused on defense, technology, education, and global cooperation.
• Multilateralism: Commitment to international cooperation through organizations like the UN, G7, and BRICS.
• Hegemony/Coercion: Rejection of dominance by any single power and advocating for fair international relations.
• Technology Transfer & Innovation: Emphasis on collaborative development and exchange of technologies, particularly in AI, defense, and critical minerals.
• Made in India: A key initiative supporting domestic manufacturing and collaboration with foreign partners.

I. Strengthening the Bilateral Relationship & International Context

President Macron began by acknowledging the significance of his fourth official visit to India, following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France for the AI summit and meetings in Marseilles. He emphasized that the Indo-French relationship is “stepping up” due to a shifting “international order.” This strengthening is rooted in eight years of consistent collaboration built on “trust, openness, and ambition.” He noted a shared disappointment with the evolving global landscape, specifically the failure to achieve a “free and opened Pacific” and the emergence of “hegemony,” contrasting this with a preference for “cooperation and efficient collaborative efforts,” citing the IMC (likely referring to India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) as a successful example championed by Prime Minister Modi during the G20. The governance of Artificial Intelligence, highlighted by the previous summit, was also underscored as a crucial area of cooperation.

II. Economic & Industrial Cooperation

Macron highlighted ambitions to expand cooperation for students, companies (particularly startups and SMEs), and bilateral trade. France is a “trustworthy partner” within the “Make in India” program, with French industrial sectors prepared to offer full cooperation. He specifically mentioned the success of the final assembly line for Rafael fighter planes opened by Tata in Bangalore, Karnataka, as a concrete example. Future projects include engines for the new generation fighter aircraft (NCA) and the “air hammer” air-to-sky missile, both to be “Made in India.” He stressed that “Made in India” is a label that will facilitate cooperation in cutting-edge technologies. Critical minerals were also identified as a key area, with a common roadmap already signed.

III. Defense & Strategic Autonomy

Defense cooperation is a cornerstone of the partnership, exemplified by the Raphael fighter planes and submarines. Beyond traditional defense, Macron emphasized ambitions “beyond the stratosphere, in air space, in rather space,” with a significant meeting planned for July on this topic. Strategic autonomy, defined as the ability of both nations to independently pursue their interests, is a “foundation” of their cooperation. He stated, “We will not be passive when faced with hegemony and we will not fall into the trap of not cooperation as some have.”

IV. Civil Aviation, Energy & Infrastructure

Cooperation extends to civil airline engineering, with ongoing projects in Jaitapur. Macron also highlighted the importance of railways and high-speed train projects. He affirmed France’s commitment to being a “trustworthy long-term partnership” in these fields. Discussions with Prime Minister Modi were described as “constructive and trustworthy,” aligning with past efforts.

V. Indo-French Year of Innovation & Cultural Exchange

The upcoming Indo-French Year of Innovation will focus on bringing together industrial sectors, startups, enterprises, and researchers. The French Indian Center for AI in Medicine, located in New Delhi with AMSA, is a key project. Macron acknowledged past shortcomings in visa issuance for Indian students, promising improvements and easier transit visa procedures for long-distance travel. He announced the strengthening of “creative passports” for Indian creatives to foster artistic and cultural exchange, symbolized by the lighting of India Gate with a collaborative display. He acknowledged recent difficulties in facilitating creative cooperation and stated measures have been taken to address them.

VI. Roadmap 2027 & Multilateral Engagement

The “Roadmap 2027,” launched in Paris in 2023, outlines the bilateral cooperation framework. Increased cooperation in higher education was highlighted, with a Russia initiative connecting over 200 Indian and French educational organizations. Macron emphasized the need to accelerate progress, stating, “We’ve been too slow in the last years.” He underscored the importance of multilateralism, specifically condemning Russia’s “war of aggression” against Ukraine and calling for a moratorium on attacks against Ukrainian civilians, aligning with the UN Charter. He also reiterated commitment to fighting terrorism.

VII. G7 & BRICS Collaboration

Macron announced India’s participation as a special guest at the G7 meeting in Evian. A pre-G7 meeting will be held to develop a concrete international program, focusing on innovation and cooperation between French and Indian youth, research centers, and universities. He emphasized the shared commitment to addressing global challenges, including artificial intelligence, data centers, computing power, and large language model development, while advocating for an AI that “respects diversity” and requires “more transparent algorithms” and protection for youth. He stressed the need for “fair exchanges” and rejection of “coercion” in international trade.

VIII. Conclusion

President Macron concluded by reaffirming the strength and visibility of the Indo-French partnership, emphasizing its benefits for both nations. He reiterated the commitment to concrete results in areas like solar energy, infrastructure, and AI, and expressed confidence in achieving greater convergence through bilateral agreements and their respective presidencies of the G7 and BRICS. He stated, “This is a stable and very visible partnership that serves both of our peoples and it has borne many fruits these last years. But we want to make it even more fruitful thanks to the exchanges between our students and our private sector.”

Notable Quote:

“We will not be passive when faced with hegemony and we will not fall into the trap of not cooperation as some have.” – Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.