Syed Jahanzeeb
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to France and the United States were more than just diplomatic engagements; they were strategic moves that underscored India’s rising stature on the global stage. His presence at the Bastille Day celebrations in France as the guest of honor and the high-profile meetings in Washington signified how India is shaping international conversations in defense, technology, economy, and geopolitics. Modi’s visit to France was significant not only because of the celebrations but also because of the deep-rooted ties between the two countries. France has been a trusted defense partner, and discussions on further strengthening military cooperation were a focal point. India’s decision to procure additional Rafale fighter jets and engage in joint defense production highlighted this growing collaboration. Beyond defense, France has played a crucial role in India’s space and nuclear energy sectors, and Modi’s visit ensured that this cooperation reached new heights.
When Modi arrived in the United States, the scale of the visit was even grander. This was not just another diplomatic tour; it was a reaffirmation of India’s growing economic and strategic influence. The US sees India as a vital partner in countering Chinese expansionism and fostering stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi’s interactions with US business leaders, policymakers, and the Indian diaspora showcased his ability to blend diplomacy with economic foresight. A major takeaway from both visits was the economic opportunities they unlocked. In France, discussions revolved around deepening trade ties and enhancing investments in sectors like renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital technology. France has already been a significant investor in India, but this visit paved the way for further collaboration, particularly in defense manufacturing and aviation.
In the US, the economic aspect was even more pronounced. Major memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed, boosting India’s access to cutting-edge technology, semiconductor manufacturing, and defense cooperation. Silicon Valley’s biggest tech firms reiterated their commitment to India, seeing it as both a massive market and a technological hub. Modi’s meeting with top CEOs reflected India’s potential as a global leader in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and green energy.
Foreign policy and strategic importance were at the core of these visits. Modi has been redefining India’s foreign policy with a more assertive and self-reliant approach. His meetings with Presidents Macron and Biden focused on ensuring India’s place in global decision-making. Defense collaborations, technology-sharing agreements, and stronger bilateral relations reflected India’s emergence as a key player in global politics.
One of the long-term goals of Indian diplomacy has been securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Modi used both visits to push this agenda forward. France has consistently backed India’s claim, and the US has shown increasing support. Modi emphasized India’s role as a responsible global power, its contributions to peacekeeping missions, and its growing economic and military strength. While the road to a permanent UNSC seat is still long, his efforts during these visits brought India closer to that goal.
In the larger Asian context, Modi’s engagements with France and the US sent strong signals to China and other regional players. As China’s aggressive policies in the South China Sea and along the Indian border create instability, countries in the region are looking toward India as a counterbalancing force. Strengthening defense partnerships with Western powers ensures that India remains a formidable presence in the Indo-Pacific. The deepening of the Quad alliance, which includes India, the US, Japan, and Australia, further solidifies India’s role in shaping the Asian power structure.
Another interesting aspect of India-US relations has been Modi’s personal rapport with former President Donald Trump. While Joe Biden is now in office, the Modi-Trump era fostered a unique camaraderie that helped strengthen bilateral ties. Events like “Howdy, Modi!” and Trump’s visit to India showcased how personal diplomacy played a role in shaping foreign policy. Even with a new administration, Modi ensured that the warmth in India-US relations continued, reflecting his ability to navigate complex global leadership transitions.
The business ties established during these visits have long-term implications. India is fast becoming a manufacturing hub, and these engagements ensured that Western companies view India as a stable and lucrative destination. Whether it’s semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, or clean energy, these visits cemented India’s place in the global economic framework. The signing of multiple MoUs across different sectors demonstrated the confidence that global investors have in India’s future. Beyond economics and defense, these visits also influenced India’s image in Asia. Countries like Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia closely monitor India’s diplomatic moves. As a leader who has consistently prioritized national interests while engaging with global powers, Modi’s style of diplomacy is shaping how Asian nations approach their own foreign policies. His leadership has ensured that India is not merely participating in global affairs but actively shaping them.
At the heart of these visits was a message—India is no longer just an emerging power; it is a global player that demands recognition. Modi’s engagements in France and the US strengthened India’s economic and strategic partnerships, furthered its global influence, and ensured that the country remains a key architect of the changing world order. The world is no longer simply acknowledging India’s rise; it is actively engaging with it.
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