Jaishankar says India-France relations strengthened with a visit

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – India External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday called on the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and appreciated France’s strong support for India in the fight against terrorism.

Jaishankar concluded his four-day visit to France, which took place within four months of Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to the country, reaffirmed the robust and long-standing strategic partnership between India and France.

He was in France from June 11 to 14, an official press release said.

Both sides committed to fully implement he Horizon 2047 Roadmap and Defense Industrial Roadmap that were agreed between the two leaders.

They discussed and reflected the deep trust, comfort, and shared ambition that characterized the India-France bilateral ties.

Jaishankar also held comprehensive bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.

Two ministers reviewed and appreciated the progress made in India-France collaboration in strategic domains of defense, security, space, counter-terrorism, and global issues.

They discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the Indo-Pacific, underscoring the convergence of views between India and France in addressing global challenges.

Both sides expressed satisfaction in the advances made in bilateral cooperation in emerging sectors of technology, innovation, trade, investment, health, life sciences, education, talent mobility, museum cooperation, and people-to-people ties, and exchanged views on exploring new avenues of cooperation to further strengthen bilateral relations, it said.

They noted that both nations looked forward to the celebration of the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’ next year in a befitting manner that will add another dimension to their relationship.

Jaishankar expressed deep appreciation for the French Government’s condolences on the tragic loss of lives in the plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier this week.

He also participated in the inaugural edition of the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue held in Marseille, contributed to discussions on critical geopolitical developments and regional dynamics.

He interacted with prominent think tanks and media representatives in France, fostering a deeper understanding of India’s foreign policy priorities and its vision for global cooperation.

Jaishankar met with the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan on the sidelines of the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue.