apex gaming88 Deals On Defense, AI, Trade And More – Key Highlights Of PM Modi’s France Visit

In this screenshot taken from @NarendraModi/YT on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron join hands during inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Marseille, France. Photo: PTI In this screenshot taken from @NarendraModi/YT on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron join hands during inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Marseille, France. Photo: PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent two-day visit to France has marked a significant stride in enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations, with key agreements across various sectors, from defense to technology and nuclear energy. 

A joint India-France statement released on Wednesday emphasised the progress made in a number of high-profile areas, particularly defense and scientific collaboration.

Here are the key highlights of discussions between Modi

Scorpene-Class Submarines Deal

One of the most noteworthy developments was the confirmation of a deal to manufacture three more Scorpene-class ‘hunter-killer’ submarines in India, a critical step forward in strengthening India’s naval capabilities. This agreement builds on India’s existing fleet of six Scorpene submarines, including the most recent addition, INS Vagsheer, commissioned last month under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. 

The new deal, valued at an estimated Rs 36,000 crore, incorporates nearly 60% indigenous technology— a notable increase compared to the initial batch of submarines, which is seen as a step toward India's self-reliance in defense production.

The successful integration of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was also highlighted. The AIP technology allows submarines to stay submerged for longer periods, enhancing operational stealth and reducing vulnerability.

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Wider Defense Cooperation

Discussions between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron also focused on other areas of military cooperation. India is expected to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets, a naval variant of the French fighter, to be deployed on India's indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The two nations also discussed the integration of advanced missile systems and potential collaborations on helicopter and jet engine technology.

Moreover, India’s ambitious plan to develop two nuclear attack submarines (SSNs), with the first expected to enter service by 2037, gained attention. 

Progress in AI, Nuclear, and Digital Sciences

Both India and France committed to expanding collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on ethical and responsible AI development. A significant outcome of this commitment was the launch of the ‘India-France Year of Innovation 2026’ initiative, with the unveiling of a dedicated logo to mark the occasion.

India and France also signed a Letter of Intent to establish the Indo-French Center for Digital Sciences, aimed at fostering research and innovation in digital technologies. 

In the nuclear energy sector, the countries renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on nuclear cooperation, and further collaborations were announced in the development of advanced modular and small modular reactors, a promising avenue for sustainable nuclear energy.

Environmental and Regional Cooperation

On the environmental front, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to addressing climate change and biodiversity conservation. A Declaration of Intent was signed between India’s Ministry of Environment and France’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition to promote joint efforts in sustainability.

Japan also began their campaign with a 5-5 draw against Korea but has since struggled to secure a win. They lost their second game 5-1 to India and followed that with a 2-1 defeat against Pakistan.

Both nations also issued a joint declaration of intent to collaborate on development projects in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on sustainable growth and economic development.

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Expanding People-to-People Ties and Trade Relations

In his visit, PM Modi also emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties and expanding trade cooperation. He attended an event at the global shipping giant CMA-CGM's control room in Marseille, reinforcing the growing partnership between the two nations in logistics and maritime trade.

The inauguration of India’s new consulate in Marseille was another important step in deepening diplomatic and cultural ties, ensuring a more robust Indian presence in France.

(With agencies inputs)apex gaming88