French Foreign Minister says shared vision of international relations between India & France makes partnership strong

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Ms. Catherine Colonna yesterday said that a shared vision of international relations between India and France makes the partnership strong.

She said both the countries are equally attached to the rule of law, multilateralism, and both are eager to retain their strategic autonomy.

Ms. Colonna who is on a two day visit to India, visited Mumbai today. While delivering a speech at the Observer Research Foundation(ORF) she said that she felt coming to India on the first bilateral visit to Asia was like a natural choice, adding that India is an important partner for France in the



region.

In January 2023, India and France will celebrate 25th anniversary of strategic partnership, she said.

She said since the state visit of President Emmaneul Macron to India in 2018 the bilateral partnership as acquired a new Indo- Pacific dimension  showing remarkably converging views about what leads to be done to address tha challenges of the region.

She opined that Indo- Pacific should not become a confrontation ground between the global powers.

She said that India is at the center of these dynamics and has therefore a central role to play in the Indo- Pacific.