India and France have a strong strategic alliance dating back 25 years, according to French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, and both countries strive to promote world peace and stability. “Despite not being my first trip to India, it is my first as a minister. However, I had my heart set on India for my first trip as a minister in the Asian region. So, that was a purposeful decision.
The reason for this is that France and India have enjoyed solid strategic cooperation for about 25 years. We’ve made great progress. We wish to contribute to the world’s peace and stability,” said Colonna.
The French Foreign Minister explained that France and India collaborate on international issues as well as defence and security and that they would like to do more.
“We collaborate on both international and defence security matters. The purpose of our visit is to do more, thus that is our desire. I’ve only just begun the visit. We’ll meet a few of your ministers (from India). Honored to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi later today,” the minister said in a statement regarding her visit.
We have a lot of desire, she added, adding that a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Emmanuel Macron may happen soon.
My President and Prime Minister Modi met in May of last year and will do so again soon; we already have a great relationship, I’m sure.
The French Foreign Minister will meet with PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval during her three days in India starting on Tuesday to address bilateral, regional, and global matters of common concern.
She also visited Lady Shri Ram College and met with the students and urged them to indulge in the exchange programme.
Colonna will also fly to Mumbai on Thursday for meetings with business titans and site tours.
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