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Macron unveils special programme on French for Indian students

The decision comes after French President Macron attended the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi as a chief guest….reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the launch of a special programme for Indian students to learn French for a year in France before pursuing the degree of their choice.

The decision comes after French President Macron attended the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi as a chief guest.

The classes are designed to help India’s brightest high school graduates access France’s rich, diverse, and world-renowned educational offerings without being limited to English-taught programmes alone, the French Embassy in India said in a statement.

Under the programme, regardless of already being a French language learner or a complete beginner, a student can now be admitted to French-taught undergraduate programmes of French higher education institutions after successfully completing a foundational year of immersive language training at that institution.

The decision is seen as a significant step towards India-France ties as PM Modi and President Macron have agreed to support the initiative of setting up international classes which will enable, from September 2024 onwards, Indian students to be taught French as a foreign language, methodology and academic contents in highly reputed French universities in France during one academic year, before entering their chosen curricula in France.

During President Macron’s visit to India, he visited the Amber Fort in Jaipur where he met Indian students from Alliance Francaise de Jaipur, the French departments of Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, and alumni back from France after graduation.

The President stressed France’s commitment to opening up more opportunities for Indian students, exemplified by initiatives such as International Classes, 5-year short-stay Schengen visa for alumni and the fact that India is now the largest beneficiary of French academic scholarships.

He reiterated, “We want to welcome 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030” and added that, if this goal is met, “I would be the happiest President”.

The French embassy said in a statement that the programme is open to all Indian students, irrespective of their current level of French. Academic excellence is the only prerequisite and offers access to world-renowned French higher education institutions across all fields, universities, grandes ecoles, engineering, management, sciences, humanities, arts, and other specialised schools.

The students will be immersed in French culture and language and can partake in the student activities of the institution like all other students.

Moreover, the French language classes are tailored to the field of studies chosen by the student, complemented by preparatory courses in the field and outstanding students will be awarded scholarships by the Embassy of France in India to support their higher education in France. India is the largest beneficiary of French scholarships.

The students could apply for the programme till March 31, 2024. (ANI)

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Macron Calls For Joint European Debt to Invest in ‘Future’

Macron stressed the importance of enhancing financial integration within the European Union….reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to collectively assume common debt, similar to measures taken during the Covid-19 pandemic, to address the need for increased investment in the continent. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Macron emphasized the necessity for greater European public investment and suggested the revival of ‘Eurobonds’ to address significant future priorities.

Highlighting 2024 as a pivotal year due to upcoming European Parliament polls, Macron stressed the importance of enhancing financial integration within the European Union. He called for a deepening of the capital markets union, emphasizing the urgency of creating a more financially integrated Europe.

Even if faced with resistance at the EU level, Macron expressed France’s commitment to pursuing “closer cooperation” with other nations on the matter, emphasizing the need for progress. Macron acknowledged that while Europe possesses financial resources, they are currently “poorly allocated,” lacking efficiency in directing funds toward the appropriate areas and sectors.

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Macron Thanks Modi For R-Day Invite

This is the sixth time a French leader becoming the chief guest at Republic Day celebrations in the national capital…reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday confirmed his visit as Chief Guest at Republic Day celebrations next year and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the invitation.

“Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend @NarendraModi. India, on your Republic Day, I’ll be here to celebrate with you!” Macron posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that he will be visiting India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations on PM Modi’s invitation.

“At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, will be visiting India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations,” the MEA said in a statement.

India and France share a high degree of convergence on a range of regional and global issues as strategic partners.

Notably, this is the sixth time a French leader will be the chief guest at Republic Day celebrations here in the national capital.

Before Macron, former French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac was the Chief guest on India’s Republic Day celebrations in 1976 and 1998, as were former Presidents Valery Giscard d’Estaing, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Francois Hollande in the years 1980, 2008 and 2016, respectively.

This year, we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership.

Moreover, PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade held on July 14, 2023, in Paris, the MEA stated.

He had visited France at the invitation of French President Macron.

“To mark the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent led by a military band also participated in the Parade,” the PMO said in a statement.

During the parade, the Indian military contingent marched to the patriotic tune of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha,’ while a squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighters participated in a flypast over the Champs-Elysees at the Bastille Day Parade. Rafale Jets of the Indian Air Force, from the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, formed a part of the flypast during the parade.

Meanwhile, French President Macron also visited India in September this year to attend the G20 Summit which was held under India’s Presidency.

President Macron and Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting in Delhi on September 10, on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Following the meeting, PM Modi said they reaffirmed their commitment to take India-France relations to newer heights of progress.

India and France cooperate closely in various sectors, including defence, space, civil nuclear, trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people ties. (ANI)

India Looks Forward to Macron’s Visit, Says PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India looks forward to receiving French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day.

“My dear friend President @EmmanuelMacron, we eagerly look forward to receiving you as the Chief Guest at the 75th Republic Day. We will also celebrate India-France strategic partnership and shared belief in democratic values. Bientot!” PM Modi wrote on ‘X’ on Friday.

On Friday, French President Macron confirmed his visit as Chief Guest at Republic Day celebrations next year and thanked PM Modi for the invitation.

“Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend @NarendraModi. India, on your Republic Day, I’ll be here to celebrate with you!” Macron posted on X.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that he will be visiting India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations on PM Modi’s invitation.

“At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, will be visiting India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations,” the MEA said in a statement.

India and France share a high degree of convergence on a range of regional and global issues as strategic partners.

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French President Macron Due In Israel

French President Macron has been a firm supporter of Israel since the Hamas group has launched a series of attacks on Israel since October 7…reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday announced that he will visit Israel following the fatal terror attacks by Hamas terror group in Israel, reported The Jerusalem Post.

French President Macron has been a firm supporter of Israel since the Hamas group has launched a series of attacks on Israel since October 7, killing 1400 Israelis and abducting nearly 200 people to Gaza.

Amongst one of those kidnapped by the Hamas terrorists, French Israeli citizen Maya Schem appeared in a video posted on Telegram on Monday, following which, Macron demanded her “immediate and unconditional release,” reported The Jerusalem Post.

Earlier on October 8, Macron held talks with Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemning the attack carried out on Israel and affirmed France’s support for the country.

Macron held talks with Netanyahu and Herzog after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel on Saturday morning following Hamas’ surprise attack.

Taking to social media ‘X’, Macron stated, “I have spoken to President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu. I condemn the attacks carried out from Gaza on Israel, its soldiers and its people. France stands in solidarity with Israel and the Israelis, committed to their security and their right to defend themselves.”

Former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls on Monday met with the family members of several French citizens who have been missing since Hamas attacked Israel.

He comforted the family members of those missing in Tel Aviv. He further emphasized that the main objective was to secure victory over Hamas.

Moreover, Israel’s National Unity Party Leader Benny Gantz will meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz following his arrival on Tuesday, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Additionally, Israel’s Minister without Portfolio Gadi Eisenkot and MK Alon Schuster will also meet with Scholz.

According to the Gaza-based Health ministry, the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza has risen to 2,750 and the number of wounded has risen to 9,700. In a previous statement, the ministry said over 750 children were among the people killed in the Israeli attacks.

Meanwhile, the Death toll in Israel from the surprise Hamas attack is now more than 1,400, said Israel Defence Force (IDF). (ANI)

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Macron speaks to Netanyahu; affirms support for Israel

Macron held talks with Netanyahu and Herzog after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel on Saturday morning following Hamas’ surprise attack….reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday held talks with Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He condemned the attack carried out on Israel and affirmed France’s support for the country.

Macron held talks with Netanyahu and Herzog after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel on Saturday morning following Hamas’ surprise attack.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Macron stated, “I have spoken to President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu. I condemn the attacks carried out from Gaza on Israel, its soldiers and its people. France stands in solidarity with Israel and the Israelis, committed to their security and their right to defend themselves.”

In a post shared on X, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office stated, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke earlier today with French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Both leaders expressed full support for Israel’s right to defend itself.”

Earlier in the day, Macron condemned the terrorist attacks against Israel. In a post shared on X, Macron stated, “I strongly condemn the current terrorist attacks against Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones.”

Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary called Hamas “terrorists” and asserted that there is no other word to describe the brutality of terrorist attacks targeting civilians.

In a post shared on X, Cleverly stated, “Hamas are not “fighters”. Hamas are not “militants”. Hamas are terrorists. There is no other word to describe the brutality of firing rockets or terrorist attacks targeting civilians.”

According to the latest developments, more than 100 people have been killed in the Hamas “terror attack” on Israel, according to medical officials, The Times of Israel reported citing Hebrew-language media.

According to the Health Ministry, 908 injured people have been taken to hospital for treatment in the ongoing terror attack by Hamas on Israel’s southern and central region, The Times of Israel reported.

Some 800 people have been injured in the attacks, which have included dozens of Hamas terrorists infiltrating Israel and gunning down soldiers and people. Others were injured in rocket attacks.

In a statement posted on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated, “At least 100 Israelis murdered and more than 900 wounded in terror attacks by Hamas terrorists.”

While sharing the post on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated, “The fighting in southern Israel is still ongoing. Our security forces are securing areas which are under attack by Hamas terrorists who infiltrated Israeli communities and who have taken civilians captive.” (ANI)

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G20: Macron To Seek Unity Amid World Division

The French Embassy said the G20 Summit will allow Macron to maintain the constant dialogue with his counterparts from all continents in order to fight against the risks of partitioning of the world…reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron will address the issue of “partitioning of the world” at the upcoming G-20 summit to be held on September 9-10 and will emphasize strengthening French involvement in the Indo-Pacific region during his visit to Dhaka on September 10, according to the French government’s announcement on September 4.

Since his historic visit to Colombo in July, President Macron has been broadening the scope of French relations with South Asia, and his upcoming visits to India and Bangladesh underscore the growing focus on the Indo-Pacific region, where French historical presence dates back to the colonial era.

A press release from the French embassy in Dhaka stated, “The President of the French Republic will attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. He will then proceed to Dhaka, Bangladesh, on September 10 for a bilateral visit. The G20 Summit will allow the President of the French Republic to maintain the constant dialogue with his counterparts from all continents in order to fight against the risks of partitioning of the world… In Bangladesh, the President will continue the concrete declination of the French strategy in the Indo-Pacific.”

President Macron’s recent visit to Sri Lanka in late July included a historic stopover where he met with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Before that, he toured Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu in the western Pacific region, focusing on the debt issues faced by these economies. While not explicitly singling out China, he criticized trends of “neo-imperialism” targeting Pacific island nations. In Colombo, Macron assured Wickremesinghe of support in restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt burden.

The upcoming visit to India for the G-20 summit and the brief stay in Bangladesh represent a different category of engagement, as India has been a strategic partner of France for a quarter of a century, and Dhaka holds financial and strategic appeal for Paris. Additionally, the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh has improved ties with France since President Francois Mitterrand’s visit to Dhaka in 1990, when France proposed a flood-prevention mechanism for Bangladesh.

The French embassy’s remarks released on Monday indicated that some of these longstanding discussions may be revisited during President Macron’s visit to Dhaka, stating, “Given that the country is particularly vulnerable to climate change, the President will reiterate France’s commitment to stand by Bangladesh on its humanitarian front, particularly in the face of recurring floods.”

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Macron vows strong support to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring

Macron arrived in Colombo on Friday following which he held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe, reports Susitha Fernando

Emmanuel Macron, the first French President to visit Sri Lanka, has promised robust backing for the ongoing efforts of the island nation to restructure its debt, thereby aiding its recovery from the most severe economic downturn it has ever faced.

As part of his wider visit to the South Pacific Region, Macron arrived in Colombo on Friday following which he held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe.

“President Macron reaffirmed France’s willingness and commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in its economic recovery. As the fourth-largest creditor to Sri Lanka, France pledged its assistance in the debt restructuring process, aiming for a positive outcome for the country,” the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.

In a Twitter post following the discussions, the French leader said: “Sri Lanka and France are two nations in Indian Ocean sharing the same goal: an open, inclusive and prosper indo-pacific. In Colombo we confirmed it: strong as in our 75 years of diplomatic relations, we would open a new era to our partnership,”.

During the discussion between the two leaders which lasted about an hour, Wickremesinghe expressed admiration for France’s significant role in global affairs, particularly in areas such as climate mitigation, global debt restructuring, and matters related to the Indo-Pacific region.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including politics, economics, tourism, climate change, sustainable development, and maritime activities.

Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, several specific areas for further collaboration were identified which included the establishment of a school for maritime safety and security; opening of a permanent office for the French Agency for Development (AFD) in Sri Lanka; initiation of high-level diplomatic dialogues;cooperation in the education sector; and the enhancement of efforts to combat human trafficking in the maritime safety and security sector, the PMD added.

“Additionally, both leaders exchanged views on topics of regional and multilateral interest in the current global context. President Macron expressed keen interest in collaborating with Sri Lanka during its upcoming chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), of which France is a member. In turn, President Wickremesinghe showed interest in the Indian Ocean Commission, where France actively participates,” it added.

In April, France together with the two other creditors of Sri Lanka — India and Japan — took the initiative to launch the debt restructuring negotiation process.

In May 17, countries, including the Paris Club Creditors, co-chaired by India, Japan and France, formed an official creditor committee which included the to discuss Sri Lanka’s request for a debt treatment.

The French delegation accompanying President Macron included the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna,  Ambassador of France in Sri Lanka and Maldives Jean-Francoise Pactet and Head of Asia Department of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Benoit Guidee.

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Indian contingent adds spectacle to Bastille Day Parade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Bastille Day Parade as Guest of Honour at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron on the Champs-Élysées.

“To mark the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent led by a military band also participated in the Parade,” the PMO said in a statement.

The Indian Army contingent was led by the Punjab Regiment, along with the Rajputana Rifles Regiment.

During the parade, the Indian military contingent marched to the patriotic tune of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha,’ while a squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighters participated in a flypast over the Champs-Elysees at the Bastille Day Parade.

Rafale Jets of the Indian Air Force, from the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, formed a part of the fly past during the parade.

“A giant in world history, with a decisive role to play in the future, a strategic partner, a friend. We are proud to welcome India as our guest of honour at the 14 July parade,” President Macron said.

PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron met notable dignitaries during the Bastille Day Parade in Paris.

Mentioning the marching of Indian soldiers and flying of Rafale aircraft alongside the French troops during the Bastille Day Parade celebrations, Macron said that France honours the memory of those who fought with the French in the First World War.

“This 14 July, soldiers and Rafale aircraft from India are marching and flying alongside our troops. We honour the memory of those who fought with the French in the First World War. We shall never forget,” tweeted Macron.

It is worth mentioning that the association of the Indian and the French Armies dates back to World War I. Over 1.3 million Indian soldiers participated in the war and almost 74,000 of them fought in the muddy trenches to never return again, while another 67,000 were wounded. Indian troops valiantly fought on French soil also, the Defence Ministry said earlier.

Many Indians like Welinkar, Shivdev Singh, HC Dewan and Jumbo Majumdar fought over the skies of France during the two World Wars. Some, like Jumbo Majumdar, were also decorated for their gallant action, over the Falaise Gap, during the terminal phase of World War II, added the official statement.

The Bastille Day Parade, which PM Modi attended as the Guest of Honour with Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, has concluded in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron received the guard of honour at Bastille Day Parade.

July 14 marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, during the French Revolution, which symbolizes the democratic values of ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’, the central theme of both the Indian and French constitutions.

PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the Indian tri-services contingent flew over the Bastille Day Parade in Paris, showcasing the French national flag.

They also saw French and Indian soldiers march along Paris’s tree-lined Champs-Elysees avenue, as Rafale fighter planes purchased by India in 2015 flew above the Arc de Triomphe.

“It reminds us of the valour & courage of the Indian soldiers on the French soil during the World Wars,” the Indian Army tweeted.

IAF’s Rafale jets flypast was showcased during the parade. Later, PM Modi attended the lunch hosted by the President of French National Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet.

PM Narendra Modi has become the first Indian Prime Minister to have been conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian and military honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron.

PM Modi has joined the ranks of other prominent world leaders including former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela, King Charles – the then Prince of Wales, former Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former Secretary General of the United Nations, among others.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India and France cooperate and coordinate much more closely in international forums, as the two nations together launched the International Solar Alliance, and are working together on initiatives on biodiversity, elimination of single use plastic, disaster resilient infrastructure and conserving ocean resources.

“Our cooperation has become especially strong in the United Nations, whether it is in reforming the UN institutions, fighting climate change or combating terrorism. Most recently, we worked closely on President Macron’s New Global Financing Pact Summit. We are both leaders in the initiative on No Money for Terror Financing,” he said.

India gave an initial nod to buy 26 Rafale aircraft for its navy and three Scorpene class submarines, strengthening defence ties with Paris.

France has been India’s one of closest partners in Europe for decades. President Macron will also host PM Modi at the Elysee Palace for dialogue prior to a state banquet at the Louvre Museum.

It is noteworthy that Macron has treated only a few global leaders to the Bastille Day military parade. (ANI)

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Israel not bound by Iran nuke deal, Lapid tells Macron

Lapid warned that Tehran was presenting a “take it or leave it” offer that included “new elements that go beyond the limits of the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)”…reports Asian Lite News

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid told French President Emmanuel Macron that his country objects to a return to the Iran nuclear deal and would not be bound by it.

“The Prime Minister made clear to the President that Israel opposes a return to the deal and would not be obligated by such an agreement,” the PM’s office said on Monday in a statement, adding that the country “will continue to do everything to prevent Iran from attaining a nuclear capability”.

The two leaders discussed the Iranian nuclear issue over the phone “at length,” the office noted.

Lapid warned that Tehran was presenting a “take it or leave it” offer that included “new elements that go beyond the limits of the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)”.

JCPOA refers to the nuclear deal signed between Iran and world powers in July 2015, in which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in return for the removal of sanctions, Xinhua news agency reported.

For his part, Macron emphasised “his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” according to the Israeli statement.

The talk came as negotiators in Vienna were reportedly close to an agreement on the revival of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Israel opposes the former nuclear deal as well as the emerging agreement, charging it will not prevent Iran from attempting to obtain nuclear weapons without the burden of the sanctions.

Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is peaceful.

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Putin warns Germany, France against pumping Ukraine with weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned his European colleagues that pumping Ukraine with Western weapons carries the risks of destabilization, reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a conversation with French and German leaders Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, pointed out the danger of pumping Ukraine with Western weapons. He warned European colleagues that this carries the risks of destabilization.

“The Russian President also sharpened the issue of the dangerous nature of the ongoing pumping of Ukraine with Western weapons, warning in this regard of the risks of further destabilization of the situation and aggravation of the humanitarian crisis,” the Kremlin’s press service said, RT reported.

Putin also announced Moscow’s readiness to facilitate the search for options for the unhindered export of grain.

It is noted that the Russian leader explained the reasons for the difficulties with food supplies, which were the result of the erroneous economic policy of Western countries.

“For its part, Russia is ready to help find options for the unhindered export of grain, including the export of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports,” the Kremlin said.

Earlier, Putin, in a conversation with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, noted that Russia is ready to help overcome the food crisis through the export of grain and fertilizers, but for this it is necessary to remove politically motivated restrictions imposed by Western countries.

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