Page 16 - Emmanuel Macron

French Prez Macron supports experimenting with uniforms in some schools

French President Emmanuel Macron opened the door Monday to experimenting in some public schools with uniforms or a dress code amid debate in France over a ban in classrooms on long robes worn mainly by Muslims. The ban on robes known as abayas for girls and women and khamis for boys and men went into effect Monday. Macron said he is in favour of experimenting" with uniforms in order to inform public debate, speaking in a live interview on online media HugoDecrypte, broadcasted on Youtube and TikTok. He said another experimental option could be for children to wear similar outfits, such as a pair of jeans, a T-shirt and a jacket. We certainly can have things that are more acceptable to teenagers (than uniforms), Macron said. It may seem a little less strict from a disciplinary point of view. The centrist president's comments come after some conservative and far-right politicians have voiced support for requiring uniforms in public schools. Macron provided no detail about the start

Ahead of G20 Summit in Delhi, PWD to conduct dry run from September 1-7

As New Delhi gears to hold the G20 Summit from September 9-10, here are the latest updates

Niger's junta seeks to strengthen grip on power, prepare for intervention

The mutinous soldiers who overthrew democratically elected Niger President Mohamed Bazoum announced a raft of measures over the weekend that analysts say are aimed at strengthening their grip on power while preparing to defend against any military attempt by regional leaders to reinstate Bazoum. The junta led by Brig Gen Abdrahmane Tchiani ordered the Nigerien armed forces to go on maximum alert over threats of aggression to the national territory and asked the military-led governments of neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso to send troops to help defend them. It also issued a Monday deadline to the French ambassador to leave the country and held a rally to gather support to force French troops out. France President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that the country's ambassador will remain in Niger. Macron spoke out firmly against the coup leaders while insisting that France is not Niger's enemy. Our policy is the right one. It depends on the courage of President Mohamed Bazoum, the ...

Macron becomes 1st French president to visit Sri Lanka, pledges assistance

During the visit, Wickremesinghe and Macron held friendly and productive bilateral discussions which lasted for an hour and fifteen minutes, the Sri Lankan President's office said

French President Macron meets Lanka counterpart during historic visit

Macron arrived in Sri Lanka on the night of July 28 following his trip to the South Pacific region

French Prez Macron to visit Sri Lanka on Friday, to hold bilateral talks

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Colombo on July 28 on his maiden trip for bilateral talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe, it was announced on Thursday. Macron will be on his return home from a 5-day visit to the Pacific islands of Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, President Wickremesinghe's office said. The official visit by Macron is the first such by a French president to Sri Lanka, officials said. Macron is to meet with Wickremesinghe for bilateral talks Friday evening before leaving early Saturday morning. Wickremesinghe had met Macron in Paris in June during the heads of state sessions of the Conference for a new global financial agreement.

India, France to develop new generation military equipment: French envoy

India and France agreed to develop new generation military equipment as part of a long-term roadmap during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris, French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said on Tuesday. The envoy also said that there is "real" political consensus in France on enhancing ties with India as he cited Modi's meetings with President of the French Senate Grard Larcher, President of French National Assembly Yal Braun-Pivet and Prime Minister lisabeth Borne. "It shows that when it comes to India in France, there is real consensus. There is no difference. Everybody is so supportive and that is one of the trademarks of this partnership,"Lenain said at a media briefing. Prime Minister Modi visited Paris on July 13 and 14 during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expand overall strategic cooperation including in defence. "Defence cooperation has always been very important for the two countries as we feel that in order to be independent, we have to be secure. And

Bond between India and France transcends time: PM Modi after his visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the bond between India and France transcends time, echoing in their shared values and kindling their collective dreams. Reacting to French President Emmanuel Macron's tweet in which he posted a short video of Modi's visit to the country, the prime minister said he will always cherish his visit to the country. In his message with the video, Macron had written, "To the people of India, trust and friendship." Modi said, "India and Francea bond that transcends time, echoing in our shared values and kindling our collective dreams. I will always cherish my recent visit to France. Thank you my friend, President @EmmanuelMacron.

India, France agree to intensify maritime cooperation in Indo-Pacific

India and France have agreed to intensify maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and increase militaries' naval visits as they strive to build a balanced and stable order in the strategically important region, with respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and President Emmanuel Macron's vision of security and cooperation outlined in the Indo-Pacific Strategy of France are very much aligned, said the 'India-France Indo-Pacific Roadmap', released after the bilateral talks between the two leaders here on Friday. "We believe that the India-France partnership will be a crucial pillar of the inter-connected and intersecting arrangements in the Indo-Pacific region and indispensable for a peaceful and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific region," the two leaders said, amidst an assertive China flexing its muscle in the region. France has a sizable presence in the Indo-Pacific region in .

India, France to bolster talks with nations to end plastic pollution

India and France have stepped up their collaboration in combating climate change and in environmental protection, and announced that they will constructively engage other like-minded countries to strengthen the negotiations for an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. After talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron here on Friday, the two countries made a joint commitment to eliminate single-use plastic products pollution, including a ban on single-use plastic products which have low utility and high littering potential. Addressing a joint press event with Macron, Modi said climate change and environmental protection have been the common and main priority for both India and France. "In this direction, we had already established the International Solar Alliance, which has now become a movement. We now want to work fast on the roadmap for blue economy and ocean governance," the prime minister said. "We will move forwa

PM Modi's vision is 'extremely forward-looking and ambitious': French envoy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision is "extremely forward-looking and ambitious" and aligned incredibly with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pascal Cagni, Chairman of The Board of Business France and French Ambassador for International Investment said on Friday (local time). He called for more investments and partnerships between India and France. In an interview with ANI, Pascal Cagni said, "I believe it's extremely forward-looking and ambitious overall as vision. So we are very pleased with this. I think it's aligned incredibly well with President Macron. That's why it was about time that we realized that. I had been in support of India for 20 years and now it's very much time that we make it happen in a stronger way. So more investment, more partnerships in between France & India." Pascal Cagni made the remarks after attending the India-France CEO forum. The India-France CEO Forum was held following the joint press meeting of PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel

PM Modi gifts sandalwood replica of sitar, Pochampally silk to Prez Macron

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted a sandalwood replica of musical instrument sitar to French President Emanuel Macron and Pochampally silk ikat in a sandalwood box to his wife Brigitte Macron, officials said on Friday. This decorative replica gifted to the president carries images of Saraswati, considered the Goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom and learning, holding the musical instrument sitar and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The unique replica of the musical instrument is made of pure sandalwood, officials said, adding that the art of sandalwood carving is an exquisite and ancient craft that has been practised in southern India for centuries. The piece is illustrated with peacocks, the national bird of India and embellished with intricate carvings that reflect the myriad motifs from Indian culture, they said. Pochampally silk ikat fabric, which has roots in Pochampally town in Telangana, is a mesmerizing testament to India's rich textile heritage, th

Defence cooperation strong pillar of India-France relationship: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said a roadmap to strengthen India-France strategic ties over the next 25 years was being prepared with bold and ambitious goals, as he asserted that defence cooperation was a strong pillar of the relationship. Modi, who is here on a two-day official visit, was received warmly at the Elysee Palace by French President Emmanuel Macron after which the two leaders made press statements. "We are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Strategic Partnership. On the strong foundation of the last 25 years, we are preparing a roadmap for the coming 25 years. We are setting bold and ambitious goals for this," Modi said at a joint press statement with President Macron. He said defence ties have always been the basic pillar of bilateral relations between the two countries. This is a symbol of mutual trust between the two countries," he said. "France is an important partner in Make in India' and Aatmanirbhar Bharat...Be it submarines or naval aircraft, ...

France confers Grand Cross of Legion of Honour on PM Modi; details here

The Legion of Honour is the highest French decoration given to the most deserving citizens in all fields of activity

India to buy 26 Rafale Marine jets from France; check aircraft details here

The Rafale Marine fighters are the naval variant of the Rafale fighter jets, 36 of which are operated by the Indian Air Force

Paris Mein Hardik Swagat: Macron to PM Modi ahead of Bastille Day Parade

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday posted a tweet in Hindi, as he extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Paris

Steady and resilient through darkest storms: PM hails India-France ties

PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the French Bastille Day celebrations at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, on July 14

Visit to France will provide new impetus to strategic partnership: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed confidence that his visit to France will provide a new impetus to the bilateral strategic partnership and said that he looks forward to holding wide-ranging discussions with President Emmanuel Macron on taking forward this time-tested relationship over the next 25 years. In his departure statement, Modi said his visit to France was particularly special as he will join President Macron for the French National Day, or Bastille Day celebrations in Paris as the Guest of Honour. An Indian tri-services contingent will be part of the Bastille Day Parade, while Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a fly-past on the occasion, he said. Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of our strategic partnership. Modi said that rooted in deep trust and commitment, the two countries cooperate closely across various domains including defence, space, civil nuclear, blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people ...

PM Modi's two-day France visit on Thursday for bilateral talks with Macron

The two leaders will also meet CEOs from both countries. PM to visit UAE for entire day on return

French President Macron weakened by crisis over teen killed by police

Even in normal times Emmanuel Macron needed allies' help governing France. To get some things done he worked with the traditional right. The center-left helped the French president accomplish others. The challenge was bigger than any a French leader had faced in more than two decades: He had to convince politicians across the country's national assembly to support even a minor domestic project. Now, governing his already-polarised country has gotten close to impossible for Macron because a suburban police officer stopped a yellow Class A Mercedes and fired one fatal shot into the 17-year-old driver's chest, setting off six days of tumult across the country. Macron's centrist Renaissance party and its close allies had merely 251 seats out of 577 after Macron won his second five-year term last year with 58 per cent of the votes in a runoff with far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Macron dreamed big despite the close victory. His first big goal was raising the retirement age from 62 to 64