Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday that among India’s key international relationships, ties with Europe have “the most room to grow today.” He made these remarks while attending the first-ever India-Weimar format meeting held in Paris. The meeting brought together senior Indian and European leaders, highlighting the growing importance of cooperation between the two regions.
The meeting took place in the presence of Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Speaking about the importance of the meeting, Jaishankar said it was the first time India was engaging with European partners in this particular format.
“At the meeting, Jaishankar said it was the first time India was engaging in this format. “Our discussions were largely focused on three issues: India’s relationship with the European Union, the Indo-Pacific and the Ukraine conflict,” he said.”
Setting the context for the discussions, Jaishankar spoke about the evolving global situation and the challenges faced by different regions. He said: “We have been witnessing this upheaval in the Indo-Pacific region for several years now. Europe is going through its own difficult circumstances, many of which have strategic implications. But beyond that, there have also been global developments that could redefine the world order itself.”
He underlined the importance of regular dialogue between India and Europe despite the geographical distance. “We may be located in different parts of the world, but despite that, maybe even because of that, it is extremely useful for us to regularly exchange views and share our assessments,” he said.
Jaishankar explained that India’s engagement with Europe is not limited to a single platform but is reflected at multiple levels. “This is reflected in a collective effort with Brussels, but it is also supported by every member state of the European Union,” he said. He added that as cooperation develops, small group interactions naturally emerge to support broader engagement.
“As these conversations progress and cooperation deepens, it’s natural that we have small group interactions that support this broader direction, and I think that’s what we’re looking for today,” he said.
Highlighting the future potential of India-Europe relations, Jaishankar said: “Among India’s major relations, I believe that with the European Union and Europe – and obviously with its member states – has the most room for growth today. We have enormous unrealized potential and many new areas to explore.”
He expressed confidence that the current engagement would help further strengthen ties. “It is appropriate that this format, which has brought us together, has three very important European partners. My discussions today leave me confident that they will support this effort to take Indo-European relations to the next level,” he said.
During his visit, Jaishankar also held bilateral talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Speaking about India-France relations, he said, “France is one of our oldest strategic partners, the first in Europe, and I believe our continued conversation is an important part of nurturing this relationship. »
He also reflected on the broader issues shaping global politics and India’s engagement with Europe. “What kind of world do we want to live in? What would be the norms and other issues related to that? And because I think Europe is such an important player in global politics, it is also necessary for India to strengthen its relations (with it),” Jaishankar said.
Stressing the importance of stability, he added: “I think we can bring more stability both in the international economy and in global politics. And that’s really why I’m here.”
Jaishankar also spoke about the upcoming high-level visits between India and Europe. “I should also add, upon my return, that we expect to welcome Chancellor (Friedrich) Merz to India. And as I said, President (Emmanuel) Macron will be there soon. A number of other European leaders are also expected to visit India very soon,” he said.
The talks with the French foreign minister mainly focused on preparations for President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India next month. Macron is expected to attend the AI Summit during his visit, and the two sides discussed preparations for this important engagement.
Jaishankar also spoke about the role of India and France in major global groupings this year. He said India chairs the BRICS, while France chairs the G7. He also mentioned that the two countries are part of the G20 group, highlighting their common presence on major international platforms.
Overall, the first meeting in the India-Weimar format marked an important milestone in India’s engagement with Europe. Through discussions on India-EU relations, the Indo-Pacific region and the Ukraine conflict, the meeting reflected a common interest in closer cooperation and regular dialogue. Jaishankar’s remarks underlined India’s view that Europe remains a crucial partner with significant untapped potential, particularly at a time when global politics and the international order are undergoing major changes.
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