France, India intend to strengthen strategic partnership

French President Emmanuel Macron, receiving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasised Paris' plans to strengthen its strategic partnership with New Delhi.

"Today we are going to continue to strengthen this historic relationship of trust between our two countries to face both international crises and major global challenges," Macron told a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace, Interfax reports.

Modi was on a visit to Paris to celebrate 25 years of strategic partnership between India and France and was the guest of honour at the traditional military parade in Paris on the occasion of the national holiday of Bastille Day on July 14.

Macron's other goal in promoting French-Indian contacts, local media noted, is to increase France's influence in the Asia-Pacific region and use India as a potential ally against China.

According to the French president, the two sides share "a common concern about the risk of fragmentation of the international community."

The desire for closer cooperation between France and India was reiterated by both leaders during the press conference.

In addition to the intention to purchase 26 Rafale combat aircraft and three Scorpene submarines from Paris, announced the previous day, and highlighting defence cooperation as a key element of French-Indian relations, up to and including plans for joint production, Modi announced the development of cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, aerospace and inter-university partnerships.