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Warm Welcomes and Historical Reverence
Emmanuel Macron and Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, showcased their deepening partnership during a visit to Marseille on February 12, 2025. The two leaders arrived in the port city the previous evening, enjoying a late dinner at a three-star restaurant in Cassis. The day began with a poignant tribute to the Indian soldiers who died in France during World War I at the Military Cemetery of Mazargues. This gesture of remembrance underscored the historical ties between the two nations and set a solemn tone for their subsequent engagements.
Inaugurating a Symbol of Bilateral Growth
Following the cemetery visit, Macron and Modi inaugurated the new Consulate General of India in Marseille. The event was met with enthusiasm by a small crowd of Indian expatriates, reflecting the growing Indian community in France. The Consulate’s establishment is a symbol of the strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries. Later, the leaders visited the headquarters of the World Transport Giant CMA CGM, where CEO Rodolphe Saadé presented the company’s navigation center. Saadé highlighted the company’s robust links with India, emphasizing the strategic importance of maritime trade routes connecting the two nations.
IMEC Corridor: A Strategic Vision
During brief exchanges, Emmanuel Macron expressed his belief that Marseille could serve as a pivotal entry point to the European market for the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe) corridor project. This ambitious maritime and rail transport initiative aims to provide an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, fostering greater economic independence and connectivity between India and Europe. Macron, who had lauded the project as a "great catalyst" at a Franco-Indian business forum the previous day, pledged to mobilize concrete projects and investments to support its realization. The IMEC corridor is viewed as a key element in France’s broader "Indopacific strategy," which seeks to balance the influence of major powers and promote regional stability.
Advancing Military and Technological Collaborations
The visit to Marseille also provided an opportunity to advance negotiations on several billion euros worth of defense contracts. Paris hopes to secure the sale of French fighter aircraft and Scorpene submarines to New Delhi, further cementing the strategic alliance between the two nations. These talks are part of a larger effort to enhance military and technological cooperation, reflecting shared interests in security and innovation. The dinner the previous evening in Cassis, following their co-chairing of the AI Summit in Paris, highlighted the multifaceted nature of their relationship, which encompasses both high-level diplomatic meetings and warmer, more personal interactions.
Nuclear Cooperation and Global Leadership
In the afternoon, the two leaders visited the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) site in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, a project aimed at revolutionizing energy production through nuclear fusion. The ITER project, involving New Delhi, is a testament to the collaborative spirit between France and India. Macron and Modi used this occasion to discuss the possibility of launching new cooperation in civil nuclear power, specifically focusing on small modular reactors (SMR). This initiative could mark a significant step in the development of sustainable and advanced energy solutions, further solidifying their position as global leaders in the field.
A Strategic Pivot to the Indopacific
By inviting Narendra Modi to his "city of heart," Emmanuel Macron reiterated France’s commitment to maintaining a strong and independent relationship with India. This visit, coupled with Modi’s subsequent trip to the United States to meet the new American president, Donald Trump, underscores the strategic importance of the Indopacific region in global geopolitics. Macron’s "Indopacific strategy" is rooted in the desire to work with major powers like the United States and China while preserving France’s sovereignty and influence. Modi echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership extends beyond bilateral relations and is focused on finding solutions to global challenges and strengthening cooperation in all areas. The visit to Marseille thus serves as a platform to enhance mutual understanding and reinforce the strategic alliance between France and India.
