Rio de Janeiro: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their commitment Tuesday to advancing the India-France Strategic partnership, according to a statement from the Indian Prime Minister's Office. It came as they discussed advancing relations and cooperation during a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. According to Anadolu Agency, the leaders praised progress in key areas, including defense, space, and civil nuclear energy, and pledged to accelerate efforts to strengthen their shared commitment to strategic autonomy. The discussions also included plans to enhance trade, investment, and technology ties, with a particular focus on digital technology and artificial intelligence. Modi and Macron exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific, and reiterated their determination to work together to reform multilateralism and promote a stable international order. Macron commended the richness of the India-France par tnership in an X post, while Modi congratulated the French president on hosting the Paris Olympics and Paralympics earlier this year. This meeting marked the third encounter between the two leaders this year, following Macron's visit to India as the chief guest for Republic Day celebrations in January and their encounter at the G7 summit in Italy in June.