India-France ties in spotlight as Jaishankar holds talks with French President Macron

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is on a six-day visit to France and Luxembourg , aimed at deepening India’s strategic, economic, and technological engagement with Europe. During his visit, he met French President Emmanuel Macron , conveying warm wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and appreciating Macron’s “positive sentiments” toward the India-France strategic partnership.

Jaishankar highlighted France’s role as a key defense partner and a major supplier of advanced military technology, underscoring the significance of cooperation in defense, aerospace, and critical infrastructure. The two leaders also discussed trade, investment, energy, and connectivity, laying the groundwork for stronger collaboration and exploring areas for potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and joint initiatives, particularly in technology and innovation.

Addressing the Ambassadors’ Conference of France, Jaishankar spoke on global shifts driven by trade, finance, energy, technology, resources, and connectivity, emphasizing that changes in mindset are crucial for navigating contemporary challenges. He underlined the importance of the India-France partnership in promoting multi-polarity and strategic autonomy in global affairs.

Earlier in the visit, Jaishankar met French Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to discuss India-Europe cooperation and strategies to bring stability to the international economy and geopolitics. He also engaged with International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol on energy security, nuclear power, and oil markets, and interacted with participants of the French-Indian Young Talents Program, encouraging innovation and youth engagement.

In Luxembourg, Jaishankar held talks with Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel , reinforcing bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, and governance.

The visit reflects India’s focus on strengthening strategic partnerships, securing defense and technology collaboration, and expanding economic engagement with key European nations, ahead of President Macron’s visit to India next month for the AI Summit.