France is seeking to strengthen its cooperation with India on various fronts, including climate, military sales, and the strategic Indo-Pacific region. However, human rights concerns in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi were noticeably absent from the extensive agenda.
President Emmanuel Macron praised India as a key partner in France's future during a speech on July 13, highlighting its significant role in global history and as a strategic partner and friend. Macron and Modi attended a grand military parade together, where Indian troops marched and French-made Rafale jets performed a fly-by.
During Modi's visit, India's Defense Acquisition Council approved the purchase of 26 Rafale jets for the Indian Navy, with negotiations on pricing to be conducted with the French. The acquisition of three Scorpene submarines, developed by France and Spain, was also approved.
Critics have expressed concerns about France providing a platform for Modi, citing his increasingly authoritarian leadership style and his Hindu nationalist party's divisive reputation. Amnesty International highlighted a decline in freedom of expression under Modi's leadership in a report released in April.
The European Parliament passed a resolution urging human rights to be integrated into all areas of the EU-India partnership, including trade, and called on member states to raise human rights concerns at the highest level.
Modi's visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between France and India. It also precedes Macron's upcoming trip to the Indo-Pacific region, which is home to a significant French population. Discussions between Macron and Modi focused on maintaining security, particularly at sea, and addressing key concerns such as climate change, which Macron emphasised as crucial for the planet's balance.
Modi has been receiving attention from other nations as well. His visit to France followed a warm welcome from President Joe Biden during his trip to the United States in June. He recently visited Egypt and is scheduled to travel to the United Arab Emirates after leaving France.
In an op-ed published in Le Monde, ten prominent figures, including economist Thomas Piketty and former French ambassador France Zimeray, called on Macron to encourage Modi to address concerns related to civil society repression, freedom of the media, and religious liberty.
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