PM recalls Savarkar's escape bid in Marseille

India-France relations touch new heights as Modi & Macron hold discussions on-board the presidential aircraft

- JAYANTH JACOB @ New Delhi

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi's sixth visit to France was as high on optics as it was on the wide-ranging engagements he held during his jam-packed two-day trip. To begin with, Modi's visit followed a series of unique reciprocal gestures, with the leaders serving as chief guests at each other's national days in the recent years. President Macron visited India as the chief guest for the 75th Republic Day on January 26 last year, while Prime Minister Modi had visited France as the guest of honour during Bastille Day celebrations in July 2023.

Following the AI summit which Macron co-chaired with Modi, the bilateral part of the visit began with the two leaders jointly addressing the India-France CEOs' Forum, which brought together leading businesses from sectors such as aerospace, defense, innovation, energy, infrastructure, agro-processing and consumer goods. Modi, at the meet, encouraged French companies to explore new opportunities, particularly in defense, civil nuclear, insurance, and advanced manufacturing.