S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, launched 2026’s diplomatic engagements with a focused visit to France and Luxembourg spanning January 4-9. This tour spotlighted mutual benefits and collaborative pathways linking India with Europe.
High-stakes Paris meetings included President Emmanuel Macron and bilateral parleys with Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, reviewing advances in innovation, tech, startups, health, education, and mobility. Momentum in defense-security, space, nuclear energy, maritime ops, and economic strategies was celebrated.
Dialogues on global-regional events fostered strategic alignment. Making headlines, Jaishankar became the first non-European FM as Guest of Honour at France’s 31st Ambassadors’ Conference, underscoring worldwide changes and strategic autonomy’s essence.
The inaugural India-Weimar meeting convened French, German, and Polish ministers, where Jaishankar championed stronger India-Europe and India-EU bonds.
Outreach to French legislators—from friendship groups to defence and foreign affairs committees—bolstered parliamentary ties. Jaishankar interfaced with IEA’s Fatih Birol and UNESCO’s Khalid Al-Anani for broader insights.
In Luxembourg, sessions with PM Luc Frieden and Deputy PM Xavier Bettel assessed ties in politics, commerce, investments, finance, innovation, digital realms, space, and people links. Views on shared global concerns were traded.
Jaishankar lauded the Indian diaspora for their role in cementing relations and amplifying India’s presence.
The visit exemplifies India’s dedication to elevating Franco-Indian and Indo-Luxembourg equations, while nurturing the overarching India-EU alliance amid dynamic international tides.