Narendra Modi’s visit to France was, by many measures, a diplomatic success, with deals and commitments spanning technology and space, business and clean energy, sports and defence. Yet, the trip also threw up reminders of just how complex it will be to bring some of the agreements arrived at in Paris to fruition. That the French president, Emmanuel Macron, invited and hosted Mr Modi as the chief guest for Bastille Day celebrations underscores just how much France values its strategic relationship with India. Indeed, France has been India’s steadiest Western partner since the two countries launched a strategic partnership 25 years ago. France has strengthened ties, brick by brick, carefully refraining from commenting on India’s domestic or foreign policy choices and working well with successive government in New Delhi. But while Mr Modi and Mr Macron talked up their shared democratic credentials as the foundation of their relationship, the truth is more sobering: defence and strategic deals have been the bedrock of their friendship. That remains the case, with a twist: as with other partners,Mr Modi’s government claims it is getting France to develop key military technology in India.

But an unexplained Houdini act has raised questions about whether Mr Modi actually secured that Make in India commitment fromMr Macron. The original version of the joint statement issued by the two sides shed details of plans for France to co-develop advanced jet engines and submarines with India. Then, hours later, sentences that pertained to these announcements vanished from the final statement. So far, the government has not spoken about why those lines were furtively dropped. That opacity undercuts Mr Modi’s claims of having increased transparency in defence deals. Given the controversy over the Rafale fighter jet purchases by India — a deal that Opposition parties continue to raise questions over — New Delhi’s strong relationship with Paris deserves better than any fresh stain. This is particularly so at a time when the partnership is both expanding and is in some waysmore vital than ever before for both nations. India and France under Mr Macron are leading voices for strategic autonomy, unwilling to tie theirgeopolitical goals to any one superpower. Thetwo countries also unveiled plans for greatercooperation in the Indo-Pacific where both are wary of China. These are good signs. Exaggerated claims must not be allowed to torpedo the relationship.