French diplomatic adviser holds talks with Ajit Doval ahead of PM's trip

Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to the French president, on Thursday met national security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's July 13-14 visit to France and strategic partnership between the two nations.

Bonne's visit reaffirms continuation of strategic dialogue. The main agenda of the diplomat's meeting was preparation for Modi's visit, sources said. Bonne also called on the PM.

At the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, Modi will be the guest of honour on France's Bastille Day on July 14. Modi's visit will also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the "strategic partnership" between France and India.


Modi will attend the Bastille Day parade, which will include an Indian marching contingent, while Indian Rafales will take part in the fly-past. France is a key partner for India in defence, space and nuclear technology.

It is understood that the two NSAs discussed key defence projects for collaboration.

The French Embassy in India said, "E Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to President Emmanuel Macron, held in-depth talks with NSA Ajit Doval to prepare for PM Narendra Modi's visit to France next week. Defence, energy, space, new technologies & more: we're working on an ambitious agenda for the India-France strategic partnership!"

Modi's visit will set the roadmap for deepening the strategic partnership between India and France. Paris and New Delhi are ready to open new chapters of cooperation, reinforce already outstanding political coordination, jointly tackle global issues, co-develop technologies, including fighter aircraft engines, and strengthen strategic autonomy, the French ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain, had told ET earlier.