India and France hold talks on deepening bilateral cooperation
What's the story
India and France today held discussions on deepening bilateral strategic partnership through cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, defense, space, and civil nuclear energy sectors.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and French minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean Yves Le Drian discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
"We closely looked at all the aspects of our mutual ties," said Sushma.
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Our cooperation will benefit others in Indo-Pacific region: Sushma
"We had very fruitful talks. We closely looked at all the aspects of our mutual ties. We are taking our cooperation forward in the Indo-Pacific region, which will not only benefit these two countries but also other countries in the region," said the MEA minister.
Focus
'We are working in strengthening our ties in space sector'
"Our defense relations are historic and we have been involved in a number of exchanges in the form of training and joint exercises," said Sushma.
The External Affairs Minister also reiterated the resolve of the two countries to jointly fight against terrorism.
"We both are also working in strengthening our ties in space sector and are also leading fight against climate change," she said.
Student exchange
10,000 students to be exchanged between India-France by 2020: Sushma
"Last year, our bilateral trade was worth 9.62 billion euro, if we both have to reach the trade of 15 million euro by 2022, we both will have to work towards further strengthening our trade relations," said the Indian minister.
There will also be an exchange of 10,000 students between the two countries by 2020, Swaraj further said.
Notes
Reviewed the status of Jaitapur power plant project: Le Drian
Sushma's French counterpart Le Drian said the two leaders reviewed the status of the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) project in Jaitapur, Maharashtra and adopted an action plan to guide the work for the coming months, so as to advance as efficiently as possible towards the final decision for building the power plant.
The Jaitapur project will also contribute to Make in India, he said.
Other points
Project will also contribute to Make in India: Le Drian
"Six EPRs account for a total capacity of almost 10GW, which is a significant contribution to India's aim of producing 40% of its electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030, in keeping with its commitments made ahead of the Paris Climate Conference," said Le Drian.
For Make in India, he said the project will contribute as it involves transfers of production, technology, joint-research, and training.
Statement
'India and France attach the same importance to multilateralism'
Le Drian said discussion between the two leaders was "characterized as always by a great convergence of views, shared ambition".
"It's not by chance that France, India are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership this year. It's because we attach the same importance to multilateralism, respect for the rule of law, the same ambition to usher in a sustainable world," he said.
Support
India knows it can count on France: Le Drian
"India knows that in France, it has a partner on which it can count in the future," Le Drian further said.
He added, "This holds true on the strategic front, notably with the strengthening of our exchanges on the Indian Ocean, which today are fast developing and our shared commitment to fighting terrorism, as we mark 10 years since the deadly Mumbai attacks."
Rafale jets
Le Drian's visit comes at a controversial time
"This holds true on the economic front: our companies are investing and innovating in India under the Make in India program. On the fronts of urban development and the digital economy, our companies are present and working to build the India and France of tomorrow," Le Drian added.
His visit comes amid a massive controversy over the procurement of Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation.
Information
Discussion over Rafale deal didn't figure out in talks: MEA
Le Drian's visit comes amid the controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from French aerospace company Dassault Aviation under Rs. 58,000 crore deal. A senior MEA official said discussion over the Rafale deal didn't figure out in the talks between the two leaders.