Ukraine-Russia Differences Aside, Modi Ups France, Germany Convergences, Makes New Nordic Outreach

NEW DELHI: On ‘Talking Point‘, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, India’s Former Envoy to the European Union, Ex-Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN and Professor Ummu Salma Bava, Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jean Monnet Chair in EU Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution and Co-author, ‘Eu-India Relations: The Strategic Partnership In The Light Of The European Union Global Strategy’ in conversation with StratNews Global Associate Editor Amitabh P. Revi.

The panel discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visits abroad in 2022 to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, soon after his re-election, and the PMs of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden for the Nordic Summit, top level visits to India including UK PM Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, business meetings where PM Modi referred to “the term FOMO or ‘fear of missing out’ which is gaining traction on social media” adding “looking at India’s reforms and investment opportunities, I can say that those who don’t invest in our nation will certainly miss out,” Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal saying India will be able to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union by next year, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its impact, defence and strategic ties, the Indo-Pacific, Rafale jets, Scorpene submarines ‘made in India’ with French transfer of technology, a France’s ‘Naval’ group pulling out of the P-75I sub project, Barracuda nuclear-powered subs, space, cyberspace, digital, clean energy cooperation and increasing friction in EU-China ties despite deep economic linkages.