Macron to conquer India: signed agreement for naval bases and aircraft maintenance supply

French President Macron began his visit to India today with the intention of "sealing a strong pact" with the big Asian, of which Paris would like to become the privileged partner in Europe. Arriving last night in New Delhi, the French president was welcomed at the presidential palace by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This first visit to India aims to "seal a strong pact between our two democracies for decades to come," said the French head of state during the official ceremony. Macron then paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's memorial where he placed a wreath. During these three days of visit, Macron will show himself a lot in public with Narendra Modi, with whom, according to Elieeo, "he maintains a personal relationship of trust and friendship". A first contract worth 12 billion euros has already been signed this morning between the French aeronautical group Safran and the SPiceJet airline for the supply and maintenance of the aircraft's engines. France and India will also sign an agreement to give Indian ships access to French sea bases in the Indian Ocean, Djibouti, Emirates, Reunion, an opening much appreciated by Delhi, worried about the growing Chinese presence in that area. France must become India's best partner in Europe, the gateway ”, Macron wished in his first official statement as soon as he landed on Indian soil. Paris obviously intends to profit from the exit of Great Britain, India's historic partner, from the European Union. Currently, the volume of trade between France and India reaches 11 billion dollars, compared to 18 billion dollars between France and China, the other Asian giant Macron went to last January.