At a time when French President Emmanuel Macron is dealing with both domestic and external issues, Modi’s visit will take place. Although the constitutional council gave him permission to move through with his pension reforms, both the Left and the Right are now more vocal in their opposition to Macron.
Source: NDTV
He has been attempting to establish himself as a representative of Europe while dealing with internal resistance. He has recently been under fire for his softer stance towards China and Russia as well as for his comments regarding Taiwan. He has argued that Europe should not adopt the United States’ Taiwan policy and has supported the idea of strategic autonomy for the continent.
In the backdrop of the Ukraine war, where Indian and European opinions diverge, Modi’s visit may also be advantageous for India. In addition to reassuring other EU countries that cooperation with India is important despite minor differences, strengthening the strategic aspects of the partnership with France might do the same. France is now the only nuclear-armed nation and permanent member of the UN Security Council in the European Union as a result of Brexit.
Trade and investment are an issue that need more attention. The bilateral trade has been between $10 and $12 billion over the past few years. India trades more than France does with nations like Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam. With a European economy of $3 trillion, India may increase its commerce. Trade and investment talks between India and the EU have resumed. But given the history of prior discussions with the EU, we must step up our efforts to seal the deal as soon as possible.
Source: ANI News
In order to promote circular migration based on mobility and the return of skills to the home country, a bilateral agreement on migration and mobility cooperation is already in existence. By 2025, it hopes to enrol 20,000 Indian students.
Macron appears to share the view of Charles De Gaulle and Franu00e7ois Mitterrand that a strong and unified Europe may be utilised as a tool to strengthen France’s standing in international affairs. Concerns about the limitations of strategic convergence between India and the EU have been raised in Europe by New Delhi’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine. During the visit, Modi can exploit a solid India-France cooperation to shape more extensive India-EU ties in the context of developing global geopolitics.
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