Jaishankar discusses defence, security cooperation with French Prez

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron growing cooperation between their two countries in strategic areas like defence, security space, nuclear cooperation, maritime security and economy.

The French President is scheduled to visit India in February for the upcoming AI Summit.

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The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday said Jaishankar paid an official visit to France and Luxembourg from 4–9 January, reflective of India’s growing engagement with Europe.

During the visit, the EAM called on French President Macron. He also held bilateral discussions with his French counterpart Jean Noel Barrot on the progress in bilateral ties in key areas and upcoming high-level political engagements.

In view of the India-France Year of Innovation, they explored ways to diversify ties in areas of innovation and technology, startups, health, education and mobility, as well as discussed growing cooperation in strategic areas of defence, security, space, civil nuclear, maritime security and economy. They also exchanged perspectives on key global and regional developments.

At the invitation of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Jaishankar also addressed the 31st Conference of Ambassadors of France as Guest of Honour, underlining the contemporary global shifts in the world while highlighting the importance of strategic autonomy. The Indian minister is the first non-European Foreign Minister to be the Guest of Honour at the conference.

Jaishankar also participated in the first India-Weimar Foreign Ministers’ meeting, which included Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and Poland. During the meeting, he stressed the importance of deepening India-Europe and India-EU relations.

Jaishankar also interacted with French parliamentarians, including members of India-France Parliamentary Friendship Groups and the Parliamentary Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee. He also held discussions with Executive Director of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol and Director General of UNESCO Khaled El-Enany.

In Luxembourg, Jaishankar had an audience with top leaders on the full spectrum of India–Luxembourg relations, including political cooperation, trade and investment, financial services, innovation, digital technologies, space and people-to-people ties, as well as to exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

He also addressed members of the Indian community, acknowledging their contribution to strengthening the bridge between India and Luxembourg and their role in enhancing India’s profile in the region.