Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently undertook an official visit to France and Luxembourg, showcasing India’s deepening engagement with Europe. The visit, spanning from January 4 to January 9, included meetings with key officials in both countries. In France, Minister Jaishankar met with President Emmanuel Macron and discussed various aspects of bilateral relations with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
The discussions in France centered on enhancing cooperation in innovation, technology, startups, health, education, and mobility, in line with the ‘India–France Year of Innovation’. Additionally, talks delved into strengthening collaboration in defense, security, space, civil nuclear cooperation, maritime security, and the economy, while also addressing global and regional developments.
During his visit, Minister Jaishankar addressed the 31st Conference of Ambassadors of France as the ‘Guest of Honour’, a first for a non-European foreign minister. He emphasized contemporary global shifts and the significance of strategic autonomy in his speech. Furthermore, he participated in the inaugural India-Weimar Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, emphasizing the importance of deepening India’s relations with Europe and the European Union.
In Luxembourg, Minister Jaishankar engaged with Grand Duke Guillaume and Prime Minister Luc Frieden, along with Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. The discussions encompassed various aspects of India–Luxembourg relations, including political cooperation, trade, investment, financial services, innovation, digital technologies, space cooperation, and people-to-people ties, while also touching upon mutual regional and global concerns.
The visit highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening ties with France and Luxembourg, as well as its broader partnership with the European Union, signaling a growing alignment of interests between India and Europe in the evolving global scenario.
