January 12, 2026
NEW DELHI – Foreign Minister S Jaishankar discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron the growing cooperation between their two countries in strategic areas such as defence, security space, nuclear cooperation, maritime security and economy.
The French president is expected to visit India in February for the next AI summit.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday that Jaishankar paid an official visit to France and Luxembourg from January 4 to 9, reflecting India’s growing engagement with Europe.
During the visit, EAM called on French President Macron. He also held bilateral talks with his French counterpart Jean Noël Barrot on the progress of bilateral relations in key areas and upcoming high-level political engagements.
In view of the French-Indian Year of Innovation, they explored ways to diversify ties in the areas of innovation and technology, startups, health, education and mobility, and discussed growing cooperation in the strategic areas of defence, security, space, civil nuclear power, maritime security and economy. They also exchanged views on major global and regional developments.
At the invitation of the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jaishankar also addressed the 31st French Ambassadors’ Conference as the chief guest, highlighting contemporary global changes in the world while emphasizing the importance of strategic autonomy. The Indian minister is the first non-European foreign minister to be the guest of honor at the conference.
Jaishankar also attended the first India-Weimar Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which was attended by foreign ministers of France, Germany and Poland. During the meeting, he highlighted the importance of deepening India-Europe and India-EU relations.
Jaishankar also interacted with French parliamentarians, including members of the India-France Parliamentary Friendship Groups and the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Foreign Affairs. He also met with the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, and the Director-General of UNESCO, Khaled El-Enany.
In Luxembourg, Jaishankar held an audience with senior leaders from all areas of Indo-Luxembourg relations, including political cooperation, trade and investment, financial services, innovation, digital technologies, space and people-to-people relations, as well as to exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.
He also addressed members of the Indian community, recognizing their contribution in strengthening the bridge between India and Luxembourg and their role in enhancing India’s visibility in the region.
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