India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar concluded a four-day official visit to France from June 11 to 14, 2025, reaffirming the enduring and robust strategic partnership between the two nations. The high-level engagement comes within four months of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to France, underscoring the growing frequency and depth of bilateral exchanges. During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar called on French President Emmanuel Macron, conveying warm greetings from Prime Minister Modi. The meeting symbolized the close rapport between the leaders and highlighted the strategic significance both countries attach to their partnership. Dr. Jaishankar thanked France for its steadfast support of India in the global fight against terrorism.
A key outcome of the discussions was the reaffirmation of mutual commitment to the full implementation of the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and the Defence Industrial Roadmap, both of which were agreed upon during the July 2023 summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron. These long-term frameworks aim to guide and deepen cooperation in defence, technology, clean energy, and global governance. In Paris, EAM Jaishankar held detailed bilateral talks with the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot. The discussions covered a comprehensive range of issues, from traditional areas like defence, security, and counter-terrorism to emerging sectors such as innovation, health sciences, education, talent mobility, and cultural collaboration.
Both sides took note of the progress made in strategic domains, including space cooperation and joint defence initiatives. They expressed satisfaction with expanding economic ties and growing bilateral investments, with a view to boosting industrial and technological collaboration. A major highlight of the visit was the announcement of the India-France Year of Innovation in 2026, which aims to celebrate collaborative achievements and drive new partnerships in science, research, and startup ecosystems. Dr. Jaishankar also conveyed India’s appreciation for France’s message of condolence over the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier in the week that resulted in the loss of several lives.
The ministers exchanged views on key regional and global challenges, including developments in the Indo-Pacific, affirming a shared strategic vision and converging geopolitical outlooks. The Indo-Pacific remains a cornerstone of the India-France global partnership, with both nations advocating for a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order. As part of his broader engagements, Dr. Jaishankar participated in the inaugural Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue in Marseille. The high-profile multilateral conference brought together global thought leaders and policymakers to deliberate on critical geopolitical issues, security dynamics, and regional cooperation.
On the sidelines of the Dialogue, EAM met with Armenian Foreign Minister Mr. Ararat Mirzoyan, reflecting India’s active diplomatic outreach and engagement in the broader Eurasian region. Dr. Jaishankar also interacted with representatives from leading French think tanks and the media, elaborating on India’s foreign policy goals, strategic priorities, and vision for inclusive global governance. His engagements were aimed at fostering a nuanced understanding of India’s expanding role on the world stage and its growing bilateral and multilateral collaborations. The visit has been widely seen as a reaffirmation of India and France’s shared commitment to global peace, security, and sustainable development. As two democracies with strategic autonomy and a history of mutual trust, India and France continue to bolster their bilateral and multilateral cooperation across a wide range of domains. With this visit, Dr. Jaishankar has helped inject renewed momentum into the India-France Strategic Partnership, ensuring continuity, mutual respect, and forward-looking collaboration in an increasingly complex global landscape.
