France, India share common vision of hegemony-free Indo-Pacific: Macron

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) - France and India share a common vision of an Indo-Pacific region free of all forms of hegemony, the French president said Friday.

"We share a common vision of the Indo-Pacific area which must remain open and free from all forms of hegemony," Macron said in a joint news conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Paris.

He added that India and France have so much ahead, including energy, climate issues, and cultural projects.

"This strategic intimacy of our countries will materialize through new programs," Macron said, adding that India is France's second-largest trade partner in Asia.

Modi, for his part, stressed the cooperation areas with France, including technology and ecology.

"Defense cooperation was among important pillars of our relations," the Indian prime minister said. "We will discuss today the co-production and co-development of new defense technologies in India, including submarines, ships, and marine."

Modi also noted that the two countries are eyeing cooperation in the space industry and the nuclear industry.

Macron and Modi attended the CEO Forum following the news conference.

Earlier, the Indian prime minister was welcomed in Paris as a guest of honor for the Bastille Day celebrations, as the two countries also celebrate 25 years of strategic partnership.

Earlier, Macron and Modi watched the military parade held by French and Indian contingents, and traveled down the famous Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, in a military vehicle.

Macron also awarded Modi with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor on Thursday.

France celebrates the Republic on Bastille Day, which kicks off with a military parade and concludes with fireworks on July 14.