On June 14, French President Emmanuel Macron, in welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France for the G7 Summit, said: "A few days ago, you became the longest-serving prime minister in India's independent history. This prolonged tenure and the resulting political stability fully reflect your resolute governance, your country's national strength, developmental advantages, and leadership capabilities."
This statement was both an affirmation and a compliment.
Just before the G7 Summit, French President Macron’s highly favorable assessment of Indian Prime Minister Modi was not merely diplomatic pleasantries—it carried multiple profound strategic considerations and diplomatic intentions:
Macron specifically highlighted Modi’s achievement of becoming India’s longest-serving prime minister since independence, emphasizing the “stability” and “resolute governance” this has brought. This is not only an appreciation of Modi’s political acumen but also an official recognition by France of India’s recent economic takeoff, rising national power, and its leading role among the Global South. In the context of ongoing global geopolitical turbulence, France views India as a partner with high predictability and immense potential.
Macron’s elevated praise at this moment aims to create an ideal political atmosphere ahead of finalizing the "12 outcomes of cooperation" between France and India during the G7 Summit. These collaborations span core areas such as defense and military industry, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence—particularly with India expected to place a major order for hundreds of French Rafale fighter jets. Macron’s praise, in essence, serves as political endorsement for French defense firms securing a 'historic mega-deal,' advancing domestic production of French weapon systems, and deepening bilateral economic entanglement.
By publicly courting India—an non-member state—on the traditional Western stage of the G7 Summit, Macron seeks to break the G7’s original exclusivity. He attempts to enhance India’s voice within the forum as a counterbalance to the absolute dominance of the United States inside the G7. This 'courting' approach reflects Macron’s long-standing advocacy for European strategic autonomy and a 'third way': refusing to align with any bloc, rejecting subordination to any superpower, and instead building a more inclusive, pluralistic international order through alliances with middle powers like India.
In short, Macron’s evaluation of Modi represents a precise diplomatic statement by France based on its own national interests and global strategic positioning. It is both a recognition of India’s strength and a significant step by France to collaborate with emerging powers amid turbulent international conditions, aiming to escape external pressures and achieve strategic breakthroughs.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867981460874252/
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