Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 Summit and discussed ways to further strengthen partnerships in various domains.

They were seen sharing a hug as they met.

The two leaders agreed to bolster strategic defence cooperation, with a heightened emphasis on promoting India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

France is India’s closest strategic partner in Europe and the two sides have built up close cooperation, especially in security and defence. India is presently in negotiations with France to acquire 26 Rafale jets for the Indian Navy and earlier purchased 36 jets for the Indian Air Force under a 2016 deal worth Euro 7.87 billion.

Notably, India is participating in the Group of Seven (G7) Summit as an outreach country.

The summit is taking place at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort in Italy’s Apulia region from June 13-15. PM Modi is attending the summit at the invitation of Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.