PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to France and UAE: Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation– From July 13 to 15, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go to France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen bilateral ties. With a focus on areas such as defence, security, energy, and global partnerships, PM Modi’s visit holds significance for strengthening bilateral ties. This article provides an overview of the key highlights and objectives of the visit.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
France – Strengthening Strategic Partnership:
1.1. Honour at the Military Parade:
PM Modi has been invited to attend France’s military parade as the primary guest, a symbol of high regard. Former US President Donald Trump was the most recent foreign leader to be invited in 2017.
1.2. Formal Talks and Engagements:
Modi will hold formal talks with President Emmanuel Macron, followed by a state banquet and a private dinner hosted by the French president. Meetings with French counterparts and interactions with the Indian diaspora, business leaders, and notable personalities are also scheduled.
1.3. Defence Cooperation:
The visit is anticipated to finalise multiple agreements to strengthen defence cooperation, including the purchase of 26 naval Rafale combat fighter variants and three Scorpene-class submarines. Additionally, discussions on joint development of fighter jet engines with Safran, a French aircraft equipment manufacturer, and a roadmap for defence-industrial cooperation are anticipated.
UAE – Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership:
2.1. Building on Strong Ties:
The India-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership has been progressively expanding, and PM Modi’s visit intends to find opportunities to strengthen cooperation in areas such as energy, education, healthcare, food security, fintech, military, and culture.
2.2. Talks with UAE President:
PM Modi will hold talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, to discuss bilateral cooperation and future prospects.
2.3. Global Engagement:
Discussions will encompass global issues, particularly in the context of the UAE’s presidency of COP28 (Conference of the Parties) and India’s G20 presidency, where the UAE is a guest country.