India, France review defence, nuclear and strategic cooperation during Paris consultations

India and France on Monday carried out a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation across sectors such as defence, civil nuclear energy, space and digital technologies during high-level consultations held in Paris amid evolving geopolitical tensions.

The talks were held under the India–France Foreign Office Consultations , with India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meeting Martin Briens, Secretary-General of the French Foreign Ministry. The two sides also exchanged views on developments in West Asia , reflecting shared concerns over regional stability.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, “ Both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the progress made in various facets of the bilateral relationship, especially in context of the elevation of ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership and the visit of President Emmanuel Macron to India in February. ”

The discussions covered strategic cooperation in defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cyber, digital technologies, AI and innovation, along with institutional and cultural exchanges, the ministry said. Both sides also reviewed economic security, innovation partnerships, and initiatives like the India–France Year of Innovation , with a focus on increasing Indian student mobility to France and STEM exchanges.

They further discussed expanding trade and investment, including the proposed India–EU free trade agreement, and exchanged views on global issues such as climate change, health, the Indo-Pacific, trilateral cooperation, third-country projects and the Ukraine situation.

During the visit, Misri also met French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to President Emmanuel Macron.

Both sides also agreed to hold the next Strategic Space Dialogue later this year , signalling continued momentum in cooperation in the space sector. Misri travelled to Paris after completing a three-day visit to the United States and is expected to continue diplomatic engagements in Germany as part of India’s outreach to European partners.