News Analysis India

Tag: France

  • On 75th Republic Day Parade, Uttar Pradesh’s Ram Lalla Tableau Steals The Show |

    NEW DELHI: In a spectacular display of artistry and heritage, the Republic Day 2024 tableau representing Uttar Pradesh emerged as the undeniable highlight of the 75th Republic Day Parade held at the illustrious Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Friday. The tableau, themed ‘Ayodhya-Vikshit Bharat-Samradh Virasat,’ captured the essence of Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural tapestry with a mesmerizing portrayal of Ram Lalla, the deity whose recent consecration at the grand temple in Ayodhya stirred the nation’s soul.

     

    #WATCH | The #RepublicDay2024 tableau of Uttar Pradesh takes part in the parade.

    The theme of the tableau is based on ‘Ayodhya: Viksit Bharat-Samradh Virasat’. The front of the tableau symbolises the Pranpratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla, showcasing his childhood form. pic.twitter.com/VHdsaiVMvo
    — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

     

    A Tribute To Ayodhya’s Legacy

    Ayodhya, revered as the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, took centre stage as the tableau showcased the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, a poignant moment symbolizing the sanctification of Lord Ram Lalla’s idol, which transpired amidst the sacred rituals earlier this week.

    Pran Pratishtha Ceremony

    The solemn occasion witnessed the august presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who led the ceremony as the newly unveiled Ram Lalla idol graced the Ram Temple, evoking reverence and devotion among the thousands in attendance.

    Global Attention On ‘Ram Nagri’ Ayodhya

    The tableau’s depiction of Ayodhya’s resplendence during the recent festivities, characterized by the illumination of countless diyas and the spectacle of fireworks illuminating the night sky, captured the imagination of viewers worldwide.

    Cultural Heritage As the Driving Force

    Uttar Pradesh’s trajectory of development, infused with its rich cultural heritage, was vividly portrayed through the tableau, which showcased iconic landmarks such as the forthcoming Magh Mela in Prayagraj and the much-anticipated Mahakumbh slated for 2025.

    A Glimpse Into Uttar Pradesh’s Growth Story

    The tableau seamlessly integrated modern marvels with traditional ethos, spotlighting achievements like the ongoing construction of the Jewar Airport, slated to be the world’s fourth-largest international airport and the bustling mobile phone manufacturing hub in Noida.

    Make In India And High-Speed Connectivity

    Symbolizing Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to national progress, the tableau featured the formidable BrahMos missile and highlighted the groundbreaking high-speed rail service (RRTS), a testament to the state’s technological prowess and dedication to innovation.

    Adding a vibrant touch to the tableau were the graceful performances of traditional dances like Charkula and Wadhwa by a group of talented women artists, underscoring the timeless allure of Uttar Pradesh’s folk traditions inspired by the divine Leelas of Bhagwan Shri Krishna. The tableau’s captivating display not only celebrated Uttar Pradesh’s glorious past but also heralded a promising future, resonating with the spirit of unity and progress on India’s 75th Republic Day.

  • 75th Republic Day: Parade To Showcase India’s Growing ‘Nari Shakti’, Military Prowess |

    NEW DELHI: India braces itself for the momentous platinum jubilee celebrations of Republic Day on Friday, (January 26), promising an enthralling display of military prowess and cultural heritage at the grand ‘Kartavya Path’ in the capital.

    President Leads Grand Festivities

    President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in commemorating the Amrit Kaal journey, marking 75 years post the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, honouring the country’s independence.

    Dominating Themes

    Rich cultural diversity, ‘Aatmanirbhar’ military prowess, and the burgeoning Nari Shakti will take centre stage in the 90-minute parade, graced by French President Emmanuel Macron as the Chief Guest.

    Historic All-Women Contingents

    A groundbreaking moment unfolds with the debut of an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path, symbolizing Nari Shakti. Women pilots soar during the Indian Air Force’s fly-past, showcasing their power.

    Empowering Women

    Even the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will join the movement, with contingents exclusively comprising women personnel, setting a remarkable precedent.

    Cultural Extravaganza

    Over 100 women artists kick off the ceremony with soul-stirring melodies, setting the stage for a vibrant parade reflecting the unity in diversity of the nation.

    Inclusive Participation

    Around 13,000 special guests partake in the festivities, fostering Jan Bhagidari and inclusivity, aligning with the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’.

    Grand Ceremonial

    The parade, led by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, will showcase the nation’s defence forces with captivating displays and marches, epitomizing unity and strength.

    Honouring Fallen Heroes

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay the homage at the National War Memorial, leading the nation in honouring the sacrifices of the fallen heroes, before witnessing the parade at Kartavya Path.

    Historic Renditions

    President Murmu and President Macron will grace the occasion, escorted by the prestigious President’s Bodyguard, marking the Regiment’s 250th year of service.

    Cultural Symphony

    A mesmerizing blend of 30 folk dance styles and contemporary performances in ‘Vande Bharatam’ celebrates women’s accomplishments, echoing the message of unity.

    Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread’

    ‘Ministry of Culture’ will showcase presents ‘Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread’, a tribute to India’s timeless saree, alongside diverse tableaux reflecting progress and unity.

    Empowering Grassroots

    Government beneficiaries and achievers from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are honoured, symbolizing grassroots empowerment and inclusivity in the nation’s fabric.

    Unprecedented Security

    Over 8,000 security personnel, coupled with advanced surveillance measures, ensure a safe and joyous celebration of Republic Day, echoing the spirit of unity and progress.

  • Trafficking-Linked Nicaraguan Plane With 303 Indians Finally Departs From France To Mumbai | world news

    In a sigh of relief, the plane that was grounded in France for almost a week has finally taken off from Vatry after getting clearance from authorities.

    According to a report by The Associated Press, a Legend Airlines A340 with about 200 passengers.

    On Thursday, the Romania-based Legend Airlines carrying 303 Indian passengers, including 11 unaccompanied minors, and flying to Nicaragua landed at the Vatry airport, around 150 kilometers east of Paris. The plane made a technical stopover in Vatry following which the police blocked it from taking off again over suspicions of “human trafficking”.

    After the aircraft received clearance, the Indian Embassy in France in a post on Also for working closely with embassy team, present throughout at the site to ensure welfare and smooth & safe return.”

    Thank French Gov and Vatry Airport for quick resolution of the situation enabling Indian passengers to return home & hospitality.

    Also for working closely with embassy team, present throughout at the site to ensure welfare and smooth & safe return. Thank agencies in India, too. — India in France (@IndiaembFrance) December 25, 2023

    The plane will land in Mumbai late on Monday or early on Tuesday.

    The stranded passengers were housed in makeshift beds at the Vatry airport and have been granted full access to toilets and showers. They are also being provided hot meals and drinks in the hall of the airport.

    During the course of investigation, two of the passengers were detained by police. Authorities questioned the passengers whether their purpose of travel was any “different than the others in this transport, and under what conditions and with what objectives”.

    Meanwhile, ten Indians who were among the 303 passengers on a Nicaragua-bound plane that was grounded in France, had applied for asylum.

    A lawyer employed to represent some of the passengers told news agency AFP that among the 11 unaccompanied minors, six have shown interest in applying for refugee status in the country.

  • France Grounds Plane With 300 Indians, Detains Two Men Amid ‘Trafficking’ Allegation

    The plane was grounded following an anonymous tip-off about potential human trafficking victims among the passengers, according to the Paris prosecutor.

  • India, France discuss ways to deepen collaboration between defence industries during Rajnath visit

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted the Fifth Annual Defence Dialogue with French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu in Paris late on Thursday, before concluding his two-nation Europe tour to Italy and France.

    The two ministers discussed a wide range of topics from the assessment of regional situations to the ongoing military-to-military engagements, with a focus on enhancing defence industrial cooperation.

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a statement said, “The Ministers reviewed the ongoing defence projects and discussed ways to deepen the collaboration between the defence industries of both the countries. They also discussed potential collaboration in niche domains such as space, cyber and Artificial Intelligence.” The meeting was preceded by a Guard of Honour at the French Ministry of Defence.”

    ALSO READ | India, Italy sign agreement to boost defence cooperation during Rajnath’s visit to Rome

    Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh visited the Safran Engine Division’s R&D Centre at Gennevilliers near Paris and witnessed the latest developments in aero-engine technology. He also met with the CEOs of the top French defence companies with a focus on their plans for collaboration with India. Rajnath Singh highlighted the advantages of co-development and co-production in India, including possibilities of exports to third countries. He underlined the inherent advantages of the Indian market such as a large, skilled HR base, world-class infrastructure and a strong legal architecture. Following his arrival in Paris on Tuesday, the Defence Minister interacted with the Indian community there.

    During the first leg of his two-nation tour, Rajnath Singh held talks with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome. An agreement on cooperation in the field of defence was signed after the talks to promote bilateral collaboration in varied defence domains, such as security and defence policy, R&D, education in military field, maritime domain awareness, sharing of defence information and industrial cooperation, including co-development, co-production & setting up of joint ventures. He also met with CEOs and other top leaders of Italian defence companies in Rome, as part of his visit.

    During the meeting, both sides discussed a host of defence cooperation issues, including training, sharing of information, maritime exercises and maritime security. The focus was on the opportunities in defence industrial cooperation.

    Rajnath Singh and Guido Crosetto discussed the complementary capacities of India and Italy in defence and the possibilities of joint development. Rajnath suggested fostering the interaction of the Indian start-ups with the Italian defence companies. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted the Fifth Annual Defence Dialogue with French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu in Paris late on Thursday, before concluding his two-nation Europe tour to Italy and France.

    The two ministers discussed a wide range of topics from the assessment of regional situations to the ongoing military-to-military engagements, with a focus on enhancing defence industrial cooperation.

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a statement said, “The Ministers reviewed the ongoing defence projects and discussed ways to deepen the collaboration between the defence industries of both the countries. They also discussed potential collaboration in niche domains such as space, cyber and Artificial Intelligence.” The meeting was preceded by a Guard of Honour at the French Ministry of Defence.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ALSO READ | India, Italy sign agreement to boost defence cooperation during Rajnath’s visit to Rome

    Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh visited the Safran Engine Division’s R&D Centre at Gennevilliers near Paris and witnessed the latest developments in aero-engine technology. He also met with the CEOs of the top French defence companies with a focus on their plans for collaboration with India. Rajnath Singh highlighted the advantages of co-development and co-production in India, including possibilities of exports to third countries. He underlined the inherent advantages of the Indian market such as a large, skilled HR base, world-class infrastructure and a strong legal architecture. Following his arrival in Paris on Tuesday, the Defence Minister interacted with the Indian community there.

    During the first leg of his two-nation tour, Rajnath Singh held talks with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome. An agreement on cooperation in the field of defence was signed after the talks to promote bilateral collaboration in varied defence domains, such as security and defence policy, R&D, education in military field, maritime domain awareness, sharing of defence information and industrial cooperation, including co-development, co-production & setting up of joint ventures. He also met with CEOs and other top leaders of Italian defence companies in Rome, as part of his visit.

    During the meeting, both sides discussed a host of defence cooperation issues, including training, sharing of information, maritime exercises and maritime security. The focus was on the opportunities in defence industrial cooperation.

    Rajnath Singh and Guido Crosetto discussed the complementary capacities of India and Italy in defence and the possibilities of joint development. Rajnath suggested fostering the interaction of the Indian start-ups with the Italian defence companies. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • India and France ink pact for submarine’s AIP certification; to be fitted onboard INS Kalvari

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In an important development which could help in boosting Indian Navy’s underwater combat capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Naval Group, France have inked a pact on Monday for the design certification of the energy module and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP).

     It will be ready to be fitted on board INS Kalvari once it is due for major refit.

    The AIP once fitted onboard a submarine acts as a force multiplier to its capability by enhancing the submerged endurance of the boat several fold.

    In comparison to the AIP systems being used by the navies worldwide, the indigenous fuel cell-based AIP is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard. In 2021, the land-based prototype of the NMRL’s AIP was tested successfully.

    “This new endeavour between DRDO (NMRL) and Naval Group France will be a very significant step towards the detailed design certification of the energy module, which will be performed by NMRL along with Indian industry and design of the platforms impacted by the integration of the indigenous AIP inside the Indian submarine by Naval Group,” the DRDO said.

    “These actions will seamlessly lead the way to start localization and industrialization of AIP including the hull fabrication by the Indian industry for future fitment on-board the submarines.”

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman & CEO at Naval Group congratulated the team by saying “We are very proud to cooperate with Indian stakeholders to safely integrate the DRDO AIP in the Kalvari class submarines built by MDL.”

    “This is a natural extension of strategic bilateral cooperation shared between France and India in the field of underwater defence and deterrence and in spirit of Naval Group’s continued commitment towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat policy,” he added.

    In October 2019, the DRDO had announced a breakthrough in the fuel cell-based AIP system for Indian Naval Submarines.

    It must be noted that Pakistan already operates submarines fitted with the AIP system. Also, the Chinese warships and submarines have increased their maritime patrolling of the Indian Ocean.

    NEW DELHI: In an important development which could help in boosting Indian Navy’s underwater combat capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Naval Group, France have inked a pact on Monday for the design certification of the energy module and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP).

     It will be ready to be fitted on board INS Kalvari once it is due for major refit.

    The AIP once fitted onboard a submarine acts as a force multiplier to its capability by enhancing the submerged endurance of the boat several fold.

    In comparison to the AIP systems being used by the navies worldwide, the indigenous fuel cell-based AIP is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard. In 2021, the land-based prototype of the NMRL’s AIP was tested successfully.

    “This new endeavour between DRDO (NMRL) and Naval Group France will be a very significant step towards the detailed design certification of the energy module, which will be performed by NMRL along with Indian industry and design of the platforms impacted by the integration of the indigenous AIP inside the Indian submarine by Naval Group,” the DRDO said.

    “These actions will seamlessly lead the way to start localization and industrialization of AIP including the hull fabrication by the Indian industry for future fitment on-board the submarines.”

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman & CEO at Naval Group congratulated the team by saying “We are very proud to cooperate with Indian stakeholders to safely integrate the DRDO AIP in the Kalvari class submarines built by MDL.”

    “This is a natural extension of strategic bilateral cooperation shared between France and India in the field of underwater defence and deterrence and in spirit of Naval Group’s continued commitment towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat policy,” he added.

    In October 2019, the DRDO had announced a breakthrough in the fuel cell-based AIP system for Indian Naval Submarines.

    It must be noted that Pakistan already operates submarines fitted with the AIP system. Also, the Chinese warships and submarines have increased their maritime patrolling of the Indian Ocean.

  • Army Chief General Manoj Pande leaves for France on 4-day visit

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Sunday left for France on a four-day visit with an aim to further strengthen the “bonds of trust” between the Indian and French armies amid the fast-evolving security matrix and the geopolitical situation.

    Gen Pande will hold extensive talks with the top military brass of France including the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Chief of the Army Staff and the Commander of the Land Combat Forces.

    “The Chief of the Army Staff has proceeded on a visit to France from November 14 to 17. During the four-day visit, he will be meeting his counterparts and senior military leadership of France with an aim to enhance defence cooperation between both the nations,” the Army said.

    It said Gen Pande will lay a wreath at Neuve Chapelle Indian Memorial, which commemorates the sacrifices of 4,742 Indian soldiers during the First World War.

    “He is scheduled to call on the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, and Commander Commandement des Forces Terrestres (CFT) / Command of the Land Combat Forces, where he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-France defence relations,” the Army said in a statement.

    It said the Army Chief will be visiting Ecole Militaire, comprising various military training establishments in Paris, and address senior staff officers attending a course at Ecole de Guerra-T, which is a French military academy.

    He will also be visiting Military Schools at Draguignan, which are premier training establishments that train commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.

    “The ever-expanding defence cooperation engagements which encompass a broad spectrum of activities have established a strong bonhomie across every level of the two Armies,” the Army said.

    “The visit of the Chief of Army Staff to France will further strengthen the bonds of trust and understanding between the two armies,” it said.

    NEW DELHI: Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Sunday left for France on a four-day visit with an aim to further strengthen the “bonds of trust” between the Indian and French armies amid the fast-evolving security matrix and the geopolitical situation.

    Gen Pande will hold extensive talks with the top military brass of France including the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Chief of the Army Staff and the Commander of the Land Combat Forces.

    “The Chief of the Army Staff has proceeded on a visit to France from November 14 to 17. During the four-day visit, he will be meeting his counterparts and senior military leadership of France with an aim to enhance defence cooperation between both the nations,” the Army said.

    It said Gen Pande will lay a wreath at Neuve Chapelle Indian Memorial, which commemorates the sacrifices of 4,742 Indian soldiers during the First World War.

    “He is scheduled to call on the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, and Commander Commandement des Forces Terrestres (CFT) / Command of the Land Combat Forces, where he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-France defence relations,” the Army said in a statement.

    It said the Army Chief will be visiting Ecole Militaire, comprising various military training establishments in Paris, and address senior staff officers attending a course at Ecole de Guerra-T, which is a French military academy.

    He will also be visiting Military Schools at Draguignan, which are premier training establishments that train commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.

    “The ever-expanding defence cooperation engagements which encompass a broad spectrum of activities have established a strong bonhomie across every level of the two Armies,” the Army said.

    “The visit of the Chief of Army Staff to France will further strengthen the bonds of trust and understanding between the two armies,” it said.

  • Filming of ‘The Nun 2’ begins

    By Express News Service

    The filming of the next chapter in The Conjuring universe, The Nun 2, has entered production.

    The development was announced by filmmaker James Wan, who helmed The Conjuring (2013) and its 2016 sequel, on Instagram.

    While sharing a picture of the film’s clapboard, Wan wrote, “Photography has commenced on The Nun 2 in France! With Michael Chaves performing the exorcism (directing) on this one.”

    Michale Chaves has earlier helmed The Curse of La Llorona and The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It. Set in France, 1956, the film’s official synopsis reads, “A priest is murdered. An evil is spreading.”

    The sequel to The Nun (2018) follows Sister Irene as she once again comes face to face with the demonic force Valak, the Nun.”

    The Nun 2 will star Taissa Farmiga as Sister Irene and Bonnie Aarons as the evil Valak and Storm Reid in a prominent role.

    The Nun 2 is set to release in theatres on September 8, 2023, five years after the release of The Nun.

    (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express)

    The filming of the next chapter in The Conjuring universe, The Nun 2, has entered production.

    The development was announced by filmmaker James Wan, who helmed The Conjuring (2013) and its 2016 sequel, on Instagram.

    While sharing a picture of the film’s clapboard, Wan wrote, “Photography has commenced on The Nun 2 in France! With Michael Chaves performing the exorcism (directing) on this one.”

    Michale Chaves has earlier helmed The Curse of La Llorona and The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It. Set in France, 1956, the film’s official synopsis reads, “A priest is murdered. An evil is spreading.”

    The sequel to The Nun (2018) follows Sister Irene as she once again comes face to face with the demonic force Valak, the Nun.”

    The Nun 2 will star Taissa Farmiga as Sister Irene and Bonnie Aarons as the evil Valak and Storm Reid in a prominent role.

    The Nun 2 is set to release in theatres on September 8, 2023, five years after the release of The Nun.

    (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express)

  • PM Narendra Modi and France President Emmanuel Macron to discuss host of key issues

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: In their talks on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are likely to discuss mitigating the global economic consequences of the Ukraine conflict as well as ways to ensure cessation of hostilities in that country, diplomatic sources said.

    Modi, currently on a visit to Denmark, will have a brief stopover in Paris on his return journey where he will hold extensive talks with President Macron, who was re-elected to the top post over a week back.

    The sources said discussions will also focus how France can continue to be India’s “partner of choice” in its quest for becoming self-reliant in the field of defence manufacturing.

    The talks will also explore ways to boost cooperation in areas of technology, space and energy, they said.

    The two leaders will discuss how to ensure cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and mitigate the global economic consequences of this conflict, the sources said.

    They said another focus area of the talks would be to unitedly deal with the challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

    Modi and Macron are expected to explore ways to speeding up “positive agenda of solutions” in the region, the sources said.

    “The fact that this visit takes place so soon after President Macron’s re-election is seen as an exceptional gesture of trust and friendship,” said a diplomatic source.

    The sources said Modi’s meeting with Macron days after his election victory is highly symbolic.

    It sends a powerful signal that the two leaders want to make the Indo-French partnership a guiding principle of their foreign policy for the years to come, the sources said.

    “It’s also a demonstration of the level of personal chemistry between the two leaders, which gives impetus to our joint actions across all fields of cooperation,” the source said.

  • Ukraine crisis figures in talks between Jaishankar and French foreign minister

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: France on Monday said the “rigorous dialogue” with Russia for respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity figured in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Paris.

    Jaishankar arrived in Paris on Sunday on a day French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a marathon telephonic conversation to defuse the crisis in Ukraine amid apprehension of a Russian invasion of the eastern European nation.

    A day after the talks between Jaishankar and Le Drian, the French foreign ministry on Monday said they exchanged views on international and regional issues, including the situation in Ukraine.

    “The ministers exchanged views on international and regional issues, including the rigorous dialogue with Russia for the respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the discussions with Iran for implementing the joint comprehensive plan of action,” the French foreign ministry said.

    A press statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two ministers exchanged perspectives on the situation in Afghanistan, Iran nuclear deal and the evolving situation in Ukraine.

    “They reiterated their shared commitment to the principles of multilateralism and a rules-based order, and agreed to coordinate in the UN Security Council on issues of mutual concern,” it said.

    Though the US and its Western allies have been severely critical of the massive Russian military build-up near the Ukrainian border, India has not spoken against Russia as it has been pitching for “quiet and constructive diplomacy” to resolve the crisis.

    On the overall talks between Jaishankar and Le Drian, the French foreign ministry said the ministers agreed to deepen the Indo-French strategic partnership and cooperation in areas of defence, civil nuclear energy, space, and security.

    The two sides also adopted a “bilateral roadmap on the blue economy and ocean governance” through which France and India commit to joint actions to make the Indo-Pacific an area of sustainable growth, rule of law and oceans protection, according to the French readout.

    “They recalled the importance of intensifying people-to-people ties between France and India. In this regard, Le Drian recalled the goal of welcoming 20,000 Indian students in France by 2025, and proposed the establishment of an ‘Indo-Pacific’ campus in India focusing on training, research, and innovation in healthcare,” it said.

    The French foreign ministry also said that the two ministers reaffirmed their shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific governed by the rule of law.

    The situation in the Indo-Pacific and possible areas of cooperation are likely to be delved into at a ministerial forum for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, being organised by the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Tuesday in Paris.

    The French readout also said that in view of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, a declaration of intent in the field of sport was finalised.

    “Minister Le Drian welcomed the many upcoming cultural events, including the cross-participation of France and India as guests of honour in the New Delhi World Book Fair and the Paris Book Fair respectively, and the launch of the 4th edition of the Bonjour India festival,” it said.

    “With over 130 cultural events taking place in India from March to May, Bonjour India 2022 will celebrate the friendship between France and India, thus marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries,” it added.