External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, highlighting the strength of the strategic alliance between France and India during a period of major geopolitical and economic turmoil.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cordial welcomes were sent by Mr. Jaishankar at the meeting, which also covered topics such as the need for closer coordination between like-minded strategic partners, the challenges of regional security, and the evolving international order.
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Sharing details of the meeting on social media platform X, Mr. Jaishankar wrote that he was “delighted to call on President Emmanuel Macron” and expressed appreciation for the French leader’s views on contemporary global developments and his positive sentiments towards the bilateral partnership.
India and France have long described each other as trusted strategic partners, with cooperation spanning defence, space, civil nuclear energy, trade, and the Indo-Pacific region. Officials said the Paris talks reflected a shared emphasis on strategic autonomy and support for a rules-based international system in an increasingly multipolar world.
India-Weimar meeting and diplomatic outreach
While in the French capital, Mr. Jaishankar also attended the inaugural India–Weimar format meeting, marking the start of a structured dialogue between India and the Weimar Triangle countries like France, Germany and Poland. He was joined by Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Jaishankar highlighted the parallel geopolitical churn being witnessed in the Indo-Pacific and Europe, stressing the importance of regular exchanges to better understand regional developments and contribute to global stability.
Earlier, the External Affairs Minister was the guest of honour at the 31st French Ambassadors’ Conference, where he addressed senior diplomats. He spoke about how shifts in trade, technology and energy were reshaping global power structures and said countries would need to adapt to these changes with a fresh mindset. He described the India–France partnership as a key pillar in advancing global multipolarity.
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Mr. Jaishankar’s visit to Paris also served as groundwork for President Macron’s proposed visit to India next month, during which the French leader is expected to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
“France is among our oldest strategic partners and the first such partner in Europe,” Mr. Jaishankar said, adding that sustained dialogue remains essential to nurturing the relationship.
