Paris, Jan 7 (IANS) Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday participated in India’s inaugural engagement in the Weimar Triangle format, holding candid discussions with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, German Minister of State for Europe and Climate Action Anna Lührmann (represented by Tobias Lindner or Wadephul as mentioned) and Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorsky.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Jaishankar described the talks as short but in-depth and open, covering three key areas: India-European Union relations, the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
He highlighted that India’s growing engagement with Europe, both collectively through Brussels and bilaterally with member states, naturally lends itself to small group interactions like the Weimar format to advance broader cooperation.
EAM Jaishankar noted that among India’s major relationships, ties with the European Union and its member states hold the greatest untapped potential, with many new areas waiting to be explored.
He expressed confidence that France, Germany and Poland, three important European partners, would actively support efforts to elevate India-Europe relations to a higher level.
EAM Jaishankar placed the discussions in the context of a world experiencing significant upheaval, from long-standing developments in the Indo-Pacific region to Europe’s strategic challenges and broader global shifts that could redefine the international order.
He stressed the importance of a regular exchange of views between nations located in different regions, precisely because of their varied views.
Highlighting the emerging multipolar global landscape marked by volatility and uncertainty, the Foreign Minister argued that such conditions make a compelling case for deeper collaboration between like-minded countries sharing convergences and a common vision.
Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar held bilateral talks with French Foreign Minister Barrot, reviewing the special strategic partnership between India and France, India’s first in Europe. The two leaders discussed strengthening cross-sector cooperation and global issues.
EAM Jaishankar expressed India’s expectation to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron soon.
Terming the day productive even before the Weimar meeting, Jaishankar thanked his counterparts for a very useful exchange that highlighted the growing strategic alignment between India and major European powers.
–IANS
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