Modi's Macron-Lula Double Play: India's Strategic Reset in a Fragmenting World

• India hosted French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the same week, signaling its ambition to actively shape the evolving global architecture.
• Macron's visit elevated India-France ties to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" with a Horizon 2047 roadmap, focusing on defense, technology, and economic security.
• Lula's visit, accompanied by a large delegation, aims to unlock potential in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, critical minerals, and agricultural technology with Brazil.
• Both partnerships emphasize technology, digital sovereignty, and AI, with initiatives like the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health and discussions on Digital Public Infrastructure.
• Defense cooperation with France is moving from buyer-seller to co-production, exemplified by Rafale deals and Safran's investments in India; Brazil partnership focuses on diversified security.