ROME (AP) – French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to promote relations in the Indo-Pacific region during a meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit.
The French presidency indicated that France and India will begin a “strategic dialogue” next week in Paris to establish a common agenda. The talks will address bilateral, regional and international issues.
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France said India is its “main partner” in the Indo-Pacific region after the announcement in September of a secretly negotiated deal between Australia, the United States and Britain for the sale of submarines.
The French presidency mentioned “trust” and “independence” among the principles that should guide the actions of France and India in the region shaken by concerns due to the growing influence of China.
Macron also met with Presidents Joko Widodo of Indonesia and Moon Jae-in of South Korea on Saturday to discuss similar issues.
