S.Jaishankar Wraps Up France – Luxembourg Tour; Strengthens India–Europe Ties

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has concluded his official visit to France and Luxembourg, marking another step forward in India’s expanding engagement with Europe.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Dr Jaishankar met French President Emmanuel Macron and held detailed talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. 

The discussions focused on cooperation in innovation and technology, startups, healthcare, education and mobility, particularly under the India–France Year of Innovation. Both sides also reviewed progress in strategic sectors including defence, security, space, civil nuclear energy, maritime security and economic collaboration, along with regional and global developments.

During his stay in France, Dr Jaishankar addressed the 31st Conference of Ambassadors of France as Guest of Honour, becoming the first non-European foreign minister to receive this distinction. 

In his address, he highlighted major global changes and emphasised the need for strategic autonomy. He also participated in the inaugural India–Weimar Foreign Ministers’ meeting with his counterparts from France, Germany and Poland, where strengthening India–Europe and India–EU relations was discussed. The Minister additionally interacted with French parliamentarians.

In Luxembourg, Dr Jaishankar called on Prime Minister Luc Frieden and held bilateral talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. The discussions covered political cooperation, trade and investment, financial services, innovation, digital technologies, space cooperation, people-to-people ties, and key regional and global issues. He also met members of the Indian community, appreciating their role in strengthening ties between India and Luxembourg.

The Ministry of External Affairs further said that the visit reflects the growing convergence of interests between India and Europe in a rapidly changing global environment.