India, France to set up Indo-Pacific framework
India and France have agreed to work towards the establishment of an Indo-Pacific trilateral development cooperation that would facilitate development projects, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said after talks with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna.
Addressing a joint press interaction alongside Colonna, Jaishankar said their discussions covered issues such as the Ukraine conflict, the tensions in the Indo-Pacific, consequences of the Covid pandemic, developments in Afghanistan and the prospects of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
"We agreed to work towards the establishment of an Indo-Pacific trilateral development cooperation that would facilitate development projects, especially in framework of International Solar Alliance," Jaishankar said.
The ISA now has firmed up projects in three countries which shows the impact India and France make together in Bhutan, Papua New Guinea and Senegal, he said.
The Indo-Pacific trilateral would also provide a platform for Indian innovators and startups to demonstrate their relevance to the requirements of other societies, Jaishankar said.
He said India sees France
as a major power with a global outlook and an independent mindset.
France is central to emergence of multi-polarity and has also been extremely responsive to India's concerns and priorities, Jaishankar said.
In her remarks, Colonna said whatever is happening in Ukraine is not only an issue for Europe but it is a serious matter for the entire world.
French foreign minister calls on PM Modi
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed to him President Emmanuel Macron's message of "friendship and cooperation", besides discussing bilateral issues.
On the first day of her three-day visit to India, Colonna on Wednesday held wide-ranging talks with EAM Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval on ways to further expand strategic ties.
"Besides discussion on bilateral and other issues of mutual interest, the Minister conveyed President Macron's message of friendship and cooperation to the Prime Minister," according to a statement.
"PM Modi fondly recalled his recent meetings with President Macron in Paris and Schloss Elmau, Germany, and conveyed his desire to welcome the President in India at an early opportunity," it said.