Wed Feb 12 17:42:14 UTC 2025: ## Modi and Macron Strengthen India-France Ties, Advance IMEC Project

**NEW DELHI, February 13, 2025** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to France, solidifying the strategic partnership between India and France and advancing several key initiatives. A joint statement released following meetings with President Emmanuel Macron highlighted continued collaboration on the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) project, despite earlier concerns stemming from the Gaza conflict. Both leaders emphasized IMEC’s crucial role in boosting prosperity for India and Europe, with Marseille identified as a key European entry point for the project.

The visit also yielded significant progress in nuclear energy cooperation. India and France signed a letter of intent to jointly develop small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs), with both leaders underscoring nuclear energy’s importance in their energy mix.

Further strengthening bilateral ties, Modi and Macron inaugurated the new Indian Consulate General in Marseille, highlighting the city’s strategic location and its role in fostering connectivity and sustainable growth. Modi noted the historical connection between India and Marseille, referencing the presence of Indian soldiers there during World War I. This year, Marseille will also host the Mediterranean edition of the Raisina Dialogue.

Beyond IMEC and nuclear energy, the leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including space cooperation, civil nuclear cooperation, health, and people-to-people relations. The Paris AI Action Summit, co-chaired by Modi and Macron, accepted India’s proposal to host the next major global AI summit. Furthermore, India and France agreed to enhance trilateral engagements with the UAE and Australia across various sectors. Modi also held meetings with Estonian President Alar Karis and US Vice-President J.D. Vance during his visit. The visit concluded with Modi and Macron paying tribute at the Mazargues War Cemetery and visiting the ITER facility.

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