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Contingent that participated in Bastille Day made India proud: Army chief

Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Monday felicitated members of the tri-services contingent which participated in the Bastille Day Parade in France last week, and said they have made the armed forces and India proud. At an event held at the Manekshaw Centre here, the Army chief also said the Indian contingent who went to France has played a significant role in boosting the image of the country. "You have not only made the three services -- army, air force and navy -- proud but also made the whole nation proud," he said in his address. The sending of a tri-services contingent from the army, the air force and the navy, was in itself very significant, Gen Pande said. He also mentioned that some members of the Punjab Regiment got to visit the war memorial at Neuve-Chapelle, a World War I memorial in France built in memory of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives, and pay their respects there. The Indian tri-services contingent participated in the Bastille Day celebrations in Franc

French tourism businesses wary of customers drying up as droughts worsen

At the pristine southern French lake of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, tourists in pedal boats and on white water rafts and the businesses that welcome them have been buoyed by generous rainfall and good water management this spring. After a prolonged drought last summer, then another in the winter that followed, the once cracked lakebeds are now abundantly watered. Dams are releasing water into reservoirs on a consistent schedule for activities in the lake. But tour operators are still wary. Rafting and kayaking is great, but if tomorrow there is not enough water in the river, we will have to reinvent ourselves, said Antoine Coudray of Secret River Tours, that operates in the gorges of Verdon. The artificial lake of Sainte-Croix, a bustling tourist attraction, is one of three reservoirs in the area built for 16 hydroelectric dams. The dams supply the southeastern region of Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur with 35 per cent of its electricity needs. Human-caused climate change is lengthening .

A qualified success

Absence of mega-defence deals dims the optics

PM Modi's visit to France, UAE not just 'high on optics': Minister Puri

The BJP on Sunday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visits to France and the UAE "successful" and said they were not just "high on optics" but also "high on substantive outcomes". Prime Minister Modi on Saturday returned after "successful" visits to France and the United Arab Emirates. "The prime minister's visits to France and UAE were successful and outcome positive," Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri told reporters at the BJP headquarters here. It has been India flavour and India story in many parts of the world since the prime minister embarked on an official visit to the US, Australia, Egypt, France, the UAE and Japan starting in May, Puri said. "Certainly, all of these visits have very positive outcomes in both bilateral and multilateral arena, he said. "In terms of both the sheer momentum of our exchanges with the outside world and also the kind of events which are planned for the coming weeks leading up to the G20 summit, I think it's India flavour and India sto

PM urges French industries to look at investment opportunities in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged French industry leaders to look at investment opportunities in infrastructure and other segments of the economy and become part of the Indian growth story. Addressing the India-France CEO forum along with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, Modi highlighted the ongoing economic reforms and the initiatives taken by his government in renewables, startups, pharma, IT, digital payments and infrastructure to foster business. The Forum consisted of 16 CEOs from the French side and 24 from the Indian side from diverse sectors, including aviation, manufacturing, defence, technology, and energy, among others. "Prime Minister encouraged the CEOs to utilise the investment opportunities in India and be a part of India's growth story", India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a release. Guillaume Faury, Airbus; Henri Poupart Lafarge, Alstom; Peter Herweck, Schneider Electric; Namita Shah, Total Energies; Philippe Errera, Safran; and Paul Hermel

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

India selects naval variant of Rafale jets to equip navy: Dassault Aviation

The Indian government announced the selection of the naval variant of Rafale jets to equip the Indian Navy with the latest-generation fighter, Dassault Aviation, French aerospace major and maker of the aircraft, said on Saturday. The defence ministry had on Thursday approved the purchase of 26 Rafale (marine) jets from France. There was no mention of the procurement of Rafale jets in a document released following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. "The Indian Government announced the selection of the Navy Rafale to equip the Indian Navy with a latest-generation fighter," Dassault Aviation said in a statement. It said the decision came after a "successful trial campaign held in India, during which the Navy Rafale demonstrated that it fully met the Indian Navy's operational requirements and was perfectly suited to the specificities of its aircraft carrier". "The Indian Navy's 26 Rafale will eventually join the 36 Rafale already in .

India to set up technical office of DRDO at its embassy in France

India and France are ready to explore more ambitious projects to develop the Indian submarine fleet and its performance, according to joint statement

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

India, France have responsibility for peace in Indo-Pacific: PM Modi

The PM said that India and France will discuss many important regional and global issues in the India-France CEO Forum

PM Modi underscores roles of biz leaders in strengthening India-France ties

French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Narendra Modi arrived to attend India-France CEO Forum after they addressed a joint press conference at Elysee Palace on Friday

PM Narendra Modi leaves for UAE after concluding two-day visit to France

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday left for the UAE after concluding his two-day visit to France where he held wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and was conferred with the country's highest civilian and military honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. PM @narendramodi bids adieu to France following a successful visit that heralded a new chapter in India-France relationship. PM now emplanes for Abu Dhabi for the next leg of his visit, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted. Energy, food security, and defence could very well be the focus areas when Modi touches down in Abu Dhabi for the day-long visit during which the two strategic partners will review the progress after they inked a landmark trade agreement. Modi will hold talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Modi's trip to Abu Dhabi will mark the completion of the triad after a substantive engagement with the ...

On behalf of 140 cr, we congratulate PM: Goyal on Legion of Honour award

PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to France, was conferred the award by President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday

India, France welcome MoU for construction of three Scorpene submarines

The MoU has been signed between Mazgon Dockyard Ltd and Naval Group for the construction of three additional submarines under the P75 programme

PM Modi arrives at Louvre museum in Paris for banquet dinner with Macron

Addressing a joint press conference with President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi said France is an important partner in 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives

India, France announce raft of major defence cooperation projects

India and France on Friday announced a raft of "ground-breaking" defence cooperation projects, including the joint development of jet and helicopter engines and the construction of three Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The two strategic partners also expressed commitment to cooperate in the co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, including for the benefit of third countries, a decision seen as a reflection of the growing bilateral defence ties. There was no word on the much-anticipated procurement of 26 naval variants of Rafale fighter jets by India from France. However, a document listing a 25-year roadmap to further advance the strategic relations mentioned the "timely delivery" of the 36 Rafale jets, which were procured by India from France for the Indian Air Force. It said the two sides welcome an agreement inked between India's Mazgon Dockyard Ltd and

India, France to discuss plastic pollution issue with other nations

India and France on Friday said 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, 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. Noting that plastic product pollution due to littered and mismanaged plastic waste is a global environmental issue that must be urgently addressed, India and France said it has adverse impacts on ecosystems in general and marine ecosystems in particular. Single-use plastic products are defined by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) as "an umbrella term for different types of products that are typically used once before being thrown away or recycled", which include food packaging, bottles, straws, containers,

PM meets Chanel CEO Leena Nair; discusses skill development for artisans

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Global CEO of French luxury group Chanel Leena Nair and discussed ways to enhance skill development among artisans and to make Khadi more popular. Modi was here to attend the Bastille Day parade as the Guest of Honour at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. "Met the Global CEO of @CHANEL, Mrs. Leena Nair. It's always a delight to meet a person of Indian origin who has made a mark at the world stage. We had a great conversation about ways to further boost skill development among artisans and to make Khadi more popular," the prime minister tweeted. After her meeting, Nair said the prime minister was very keen to support other women and girls in businesses. "Prime Minister is really interested in ensuring that India is investment hub for everyone," she said. The Modi-government has taken several steps to boost the sale of Khadi products. He also met Aerospace Engineer and Astronaut Thomas Pesquet. "When it comes to motivati

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, ...