Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day official visit to France, on Thursday said that the relations between the two countries are in excellent shape. It is robust, reliable and consistent, he said.
In a rare interview with French publication Les Echos, the Prime Minister said, “The India-France strategic partnership is one of the key partnerships influencing the course of the Indo-Pacific region. We are the two major resident powers in the Indian Ocean region.
Here are some of the top quotes from PM Modi’s interview:
- As far as 25 years of strategic partnership is concerned, I think we are now at a turning point. If we look at the post-pandemic global order and its size, I think the positive experience of our strategic partnership is an important step forward. So, we look forward to working on a roadmap for the next 25 years of strategic partnership, which I think is very important to the relationship.
- Relationship is in excellent condition. It is strong, reliable, consistent. It has remained stable and resilient even in the darkest of storms. It has been courageous and ambitious in its search for opportunities.
- Our partnership between the two countries is deepening in economic, social, cultural and people-to-people contacts. Our business has almost doubled since 2014. In the same year, two Indian air carriers have placed orders for over 750 aircraft with Airbus.
- I have spoken to President Putin and President Zelensky several times. I met President Zelensky in Hiroshima. Recently, I spoke again with President Putin. India’s stand has been clear, transparent and consistent. I have said that this is not the era of war. We have urged both the sides to resolve the issues through dialogue and diplomacy. I told him that India stood ready to support all genuine efforts that could help bring an end to this conflict.
- We believe that all countries have an obligation to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, to abide by international law and the United Nations Charter. We are also deeply concerned about the impact of the conflict on the wider world, particularly the Global South.
- Our interests in the Indo-Pacific region are broad and our engagement is deep. I have described my vision for the region in one word – SAGAR, which means security and development for all in the region. Although peace is essential to the future we want to build, it is not sure.
- India has always stood for peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue and diplomacy and respect for the sovereignty of all countries, international law and the rules-based international order. It is more important than ever to maintain mutual trust and confidence. We believe that through this we can make a positive contribution towards sustainable regional and global peace and stability.
- India’s revolution in the use of digital technology and digital public infrastructure has brought about universal banking in India. It has helped deliver over 300 billion Euros of direct benefit to people, providing free food to 800 million people since the start of Covid. Today, 46% of real-time digital payments globally happen in India.
- Since 2014, we have implemented economic reforms aimed at unlocking the potential of every individual. We have focused on ease of doing business and encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit in every Indian. We have encouraged innovation and start ups. India is now the third largest startup ecosystem in the world.
- We are working with a clear vision for 2047, the 100th anniversary of our independence. We want to see India become a developed country in 2047. A developed economy that meets the needs of all its people – education, health, infrastructure and opportunities. India will continue to be a vibrant and participatory federal democracy, in which all citizens are secure of their rights, confident of their place in the nation and optimistic about their future.
- I think most countries are clear about what changes they want to see in the UN Security Council, which includes India’s role. We just need to listen to his voice and follow his advice. I must commend the clear and consistent position taken by France in this matter.
- In January 2023, at the beginning of our presidency of the G20, I convened a summit of the Global South. 125 countries participated. There was consensus that India should strongly raise the issues of the Global South.
- During our G20 presidency, under the theme One Earth, One Family, One Future, we have made it a key goal to be the voice of the Global South. We have sought to bring the priorities and interests of the Global South to the center of G20 deliberations and decisions. I have proposed permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union.
- I think world leaders are very heavy and India should not be arrogant or take any position. I really feel that we need collective power and collective leadership for the entire Global South, so that its voice can be stronger and the whole community can lead for itself. To build this kind of collective leadership, I don’t think India should think in terms of its position as a leader, nor do we think in that sense.
- I see India as that strong shoulder that if the Global South has to take a big leap, then India can become that shoulder to propel it forward. For the Global South, India can also build its ties with the Global North. So, in that sense, this shoulder can become a bridge of sorts. So, I think we need to strengthen this shoulder, this bridge so that the relationship between North and South can be strengthened and the Global South itself can be strengthened.
- India is a rich civilization which is thousands of years old. Today India is the youngest country in the world. India’s strongest asset is our youth. At a time when many countries of the world are aging and their populations are shrinking, India’s young and skilled workforce will be an asset to the world in the coming decades. What is unique is that this workforce is imbued with openness and democratic values, eager to adopt technology and ready to keep pace with the changing world.