PM Modi Embarks on Visit to France and US to Bolster Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for a five-day visit to France and the United States from February 10 to 14. He will spend February 10 and 11 in France, followed by February 12 and 13 in the US.

PM Modi highlighted the visit as a key opportunity to strengthen India-US relations, with enhancing bilateral partnerships as a primary focus of his US agenda.

In France, defense ties are expected to take center stage, with potential agreements for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets and 3 Scorpene-class submarines likely to be finalized.

France has consistently supported India on key issues like Kashmir and terrorism at the UN. Notably, after the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, India conducted its first joint naval exercise, ‘Varun,’ with France, marking a strong defense collaboration.