The French President expects PM Modi to play a bridging role amid growing proximity between China and Russia as a result of the Ukraine conflict, which the European countries and US see as a challenge.
New Delhi
Impressed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “vision for the new world order”, French President Emmanuel Macron expects “higher level of support” from India in dealing with challenges from an aggressive China in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Macron is also relying heavily on India’s “bridging role” amid growing proximity between Russia and China as a result of the Ukraine conflict. Undeniably, European countries and the USA see China-Russia growing bonhomie as a challenge. The French President is also keen on deeper India-France strategic and security ties to deal effectively with radical elements and cross-border terrorism.
Diplomatic sources told The Sunday Guardian that during talks with PM Modi, Macron voiced concerns over the security challenges that French territories in the Indian Ocean and Indo Pacific regions are facing due obviously to aggressive behavior and activities of China. “Macron also discussed the challenges of radicalism and extremism, expecting India’s support in dealing with the menace,” a source said. PM Modi shared his perspective on the Indo-Pacific and other regions amid growing security threat from China, sources said.
All the European countries including France and the US see India as an obvious counter to China geopolitically, economically and in terms of maritime security. “Since India over the last few years has achieved tremendous strength and sharpness in terms of strategy and power to counter China more effectively under the transformative leadership of PM Modi, the French President is expecting India’s help in a more robust manner,” a source said. Diplomatic officials aware of meetings in Paris told The Sunday Guardian that Macron and Modi discussed a variety of security, strategic, economic and defence issues with all the dimensions. “China’s aggressive agenda, cross border terrorism, Ukraine and closer Russia-China ties were all covered during the talks,” said an official. As chasm with the West, on a geopolitical and economic as well as military front, is widening following the Ukraine crisis, Russia and China have come much closer. “The West sees it as another challenge on the global stage. Therefore, Macron wants India under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Modi to play a bridging role to help the international community address this challenge,” the official added.
According to sources, Macron is quite impressed with “not an era of war” stand PM Modi continued to stick to all through the Ukraine conflict. In Paris also, PM Modi reiterated India’s stand pitching for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the problems between Russia and Ukraine. The remarks of Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra are significant here. He said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the strongest advocate of peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”
“India has a very good relationship with Russia. It continues to be in dialogue with China despite massive differences between New Delhi and Beijing. India is in BRICS and SCO where it continues to talk to China. Being an Indo-Pacific focused Quad member, India talks about it as a grouping for global good. India shares maritime responsibility in the Indian Ocean and Indo Pacific. New Delhi is dealing with challenges from China quite wisely. All these diplomatic and strategic factors have impressed France which sees India as an important partner,” a diplomat explained. Therefore, for France, the most obvious and important partner in Asia is India, the diplomat added. This is also why France and other European countries and the US see India as an obvious and effective counter to China in the Indo-Pacific and other regions.
Diplomats said that PM Modi’s extraordinary vision of the new and changing world order brings him laurels and recognition all across the globe. He was conferred with France highest award—The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. PM Modi became the first Indian prime minister to have been conferred with this French award. “This is 14th such global honour for PM Modi, a fact that is a testimony to the Indian prime minister’s statesmanship and outstanding diplomatic and strategic vision,” a diplomat remarked. “Macron knows that PM Modi’s visionary inputs can be used for the welfare of French people as well,” a senior diplomat said. With this in view Macron along with Modi set the course for the India-France strategic partnership till 2047 in all areas. The two countries will put primacy on the partnership for security and sovereignty.
Just hours ahead of his France visit, PM Modi, in an interview to a French newspaper, had sent out a meaningful message to the world community including Russia and China. “India believes in providing solutions and not in complicating the matter. This is one of the messages that should be seen in his interview,” said an official.
“Our demographic dividend, our deep roots in democracy, and our civilizational spirit will guide the way as we move towards the future. We recognize our responsibility in contributing to addressing global challenges, building a more cohesive world, giving voice to the aspirations of the weak and advancing global peace and prosperity,” PM Modi said. He further said, “There is a global recognition today that India is a force of good in the world and indispensable for global unity, cohesion, peace and prosperity at a time of great turmoil and risks of fragmentation in the world.”
Diplomats said that India does not seek revenge like China does. India shows commitment to peace, dialogue, live and let live ideology. It accepts and respects diversity. This message is loud and clear in what PM Modi said, according to diplomats.