Republic Day 2024: PM Modi, Macron discuss Red Sea crisis, Gaza conflict, and more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during the 75th Republic Day function, at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi, on January 26, 2024 (PTI Photo)

In the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on January 26 in the backdrop of India's 75th Republic Day, discussions centered around both potential disruptions and developments in the maritime domain, with a particular emphasis on the Red Sea region.

Additionally, the talks were over broader global concerns, with the conflict in Gaza taking center stage. The leaders touched upon issues such as terrorism and the humanitarian aspects of the ongoing crisis.

"The two leaders (President Macron and PM Modi) when they met, they discussed not just areas of priority and focus in our bilateral partnership, but also focused quite a lot on what's happening in different parts of the world. Naturally, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its various dimensions, the terror dimension, the humanitarian dimension, the civil disruption dimension, all those things came up for discussion and both leaders shared their perspectives," said Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra in a press conference.

Kwatra also said, "With regard to developments in the Red Sea. Naturally, the disruptions, the potential disruption and the actual things happening in the maritime domain there, which is causing disruption to commercial shipping, indeed is a matter of serious concern and both leaders focused on it."

Further, Kwatra added that 0n defence cooperation between India-France, the two countries have agreed to adopt defence production roadmap. The talks prioritized defence cooperation, with a focus on recognizing opportunities for collaboration in the defence industrial sector, and this involves collaborative design, development, production, and the creation of defense supply chains between the two nations.

"Now, the name itself is very clear that the focus on the priority of defence cooperation through this roadmap is to actually identify opportunities for partnership in the defence industrial sector that prioritise co-designing, co-development, co-production and also building the defence supply chains between the two countries so that they can not only fulfil the defence needs of India and France, but also can be a useful contributor to the security partnership with other countries who might be in use of similar products," Kwatra said.

Live updates of 75th Republic Day celebrations here

Red Sea trade disruptions raise concerns

Since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October, the Red Sea has gained prominence due to attacks on commercial vessels by Yemen's Houthi rebels. These incidents have sparked concerns regarding their potential impact on global maritime trade.

Recent attacks on ships by the Yemeni Houthi militia along Red Sea trade route, vital for East-West trade, have thrown the maritime route into disarray, presenting a fresh challenge to the logistics sector. The disruptions are anticipated to create inflationary pressures, particularly in the short term.

The strait facilitates 30 percent of worldwide container traffic and contributing to 12 percent of global trade. The repercussions of these disruptions are particularly significant for India, with approximately 80 percent of its trade with Europe relying on the Red Sea route.

Owing to the attacks, Indian companies are facing increased shipping costs as major freight firms opt for the longer route around Africa to reach the West or wait at nearby ports for secure passage through the Suez Canal.

The disruption of shipping along this crucial trade route is poised to impact the logistics chain, leading to increased costs that could be passed down to consumers. The rising shipping expenses and oil prices are key factors contributing to the inflationary pressures that analysts are closely monitoring.

Macron joins India's Republic Day Parade as Chief Guest

French President Emmanuel Macron was the Chief Guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.

Also Read: Rafale jets, French air force transport aircraft grace Republic Day parade

In a ceremonial British-era horse-drawn carriage, President Draupadi Murmu escorted Macron from the nearby president's palace to the viewing stand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adorned in a saffron-and-yellow turban representing Hindu nationalist colors, welcomed Macron at the viewing stand.

Also Read: France aims to have 30,000 Indian students in its universities by 2030, says Macron

The parade, a significant event, was televised live, reaching millions of viewers across India. It is a tradition for India to invite foreign leaders to witness the spectacle. Last year's guest of honor was Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi.