India and France gave a thrust to their strategic alliance as the two countries signed agreements on nuclear energy, protection of classified information, logistics support between armed forces, maritime awareness, narcotics and trafficking featured among the 14 pacts worth $ 16 billion finalised on Saturday.
The two countries also inked pacts for cooperation in other areas, including railways, environment, education and smart city development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron met earlier on Saturday and discussed ways to take forward the strategic relations.
The French president also backed the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal and said defence cooperation between two countries has a new significance. The deal to buy 36 French fighter jets has triggered a controversy with the Congress alleging corruption.
The changing dynamics in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific was also discussed, with the French president touching upon the hegemonic power play.
China has been expanding its reach in the Indian Ocean Region with its vessels, including submarines, prowling the waters frequently.
"Our defence cooperation is very strong and we consider France among the most trusted defence partners," Modi said at a joint media event with Macron.
Modi stressed that since developments in the Indian Ocean will play a key role in ensuring regional peace, both sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation to ensure freedom of navigation.
The French president said both countries will have "unprecedented" level of cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean and Pacific.
Joint monitoring mechanism for development in the maritime spheres and sharing of intelligence by the navies of two countries and coordination with military bases for any requirement was also discussed.
Modi said that the strategic partnership between the two countries may just go back two decades but the cultural and spiritual links were much older.
"The values of liberty, equality and fraternity echo not just in France but are deeply enshrined in India's Constitution as well," the Prime Minister said.
Combating terror and taking on radicalisation are going to be key elements in the strategic cooperation between the two countries.
"The trust that we share is protecting us as our interests are aligned," said Macron.
He further said, "We want India as our first strategic partner here, and we want to be India's first strategic partner in Europe, and even in the western world."
Macron landed in New Delhi on Friday night and was given a ceremonial welcome on Saturday morning. PM Modi received him at the airport as he started his four-day visit.
"Another chapter in the glorious book of our friendship! PM @narendramodi welcomes President of France @EmmanuelMacron at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi ahead of the bilateral talks," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "macron-modi-pib")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}