New Delhi/Johanessburg , 22 November (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a significant bilateral meeting on Saturday, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, to discuss a range of pressing global issues.The leaders reaffirmed the strength of the India-France strategic partnership, which they characterized as a force for global good.

In a statement following their discussion, Prime Minister Modi said he was delighted to meet President Macron, and noted they had an engaging exchange on different issues. Their meeting highlighted the deepening collaboration between the two nations across multiple domains, reflecting a shared vision for a stable and prosperous world order.

The India-France strategic partnership, first established in 1998, has evolved to become one of the most important bilateral relationships for both countries. The Horizon 2047 roadmap, launched on the 25th anniversary of this partnership, sets an ambitious course for future collaboration.

The pillars of this relationship include defense and security, civil nuclear cooperation, and space exploration.Recent developments have further solidified these ties. India and France recently signed a pact to boost defense research and development, with a focus on aeronautics, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies .The two countries are also working together on the joint development of jet and helicopter engines.

In the space sector, a partnership between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its French counterpart, CNES, dates back to the 1960s and continues to thrive .

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar