In a significant diplomatic engagement, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on January 9. The meeting underscored the deepening strategic partnership between India and France as both nations navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and economic transformations.
Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Macron. The discussions delved into pressing global challenges, including shifting power dynamics, regional security concerns, and the imperative for like-minded partners to enhance strategic coordination. This comes at a time when the world order faces unprecedented disruptions.
Taking to the social media platform X, Jaishankar expressed his delight at the interaction. ‘Had a very good meeting with President Emmanuel Macron of France and conveyed PM Modi’s greetings. I appreciate his thoughts on contemporary global developments and his positive sentiments for our strategic partnership,’ he posted.
The India-France relationship has long been a cornerstone in areas such as defense, space exploration, civil nuclear energy, clean energy initiatives, and Indo-Pacific strategies. Both countries view this alliance as a stabilizing force in an unpredictable world, consistently advocating for strategic autonomy and a rules-based international order.
During his Paris visit, Jaishankar also addressed the Conference of French Ambassadors, highlighting transformative changes reshaping global politics and economics. He pointed to trade, finance, technology, energy, resources, and connectivity as key drivers of these shifts. Emphasizing the need for adaptive mindsets, he positioned the India-France partnership as a vital pillar in promoting multipolarity and strategic independence.
Earlier, Jaishankar participated in the inaugural India-Weimar Triangle meeting with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. This marked India’s first involvement in this format, signaling a new avenue for dialogue with major European powers.
Reflecting on the broader context, Jaishankar noted the turbulence in the Indo-Pacific and Europe’s own challenges with strategic implications. ‘We are seeing upheavals in the Indo-Pacific over the last few years. Europe is going through difficult times itself, many of which have strategic consequences. But beyond that, there have been some big events that could redefine the global order,’ he stated. He stressed the value of regular exchanges among nations, regardless of geography, and reaffirmed France as one of India’s oldest strategic partners.
This series of high-level interactions reinforces the commitment to sustained dialogue, ensuring the bilateral ties remain robust amid global uncertainties.