In a striking blend of diplomacy and culture, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, took time on Sunday evening to visit the ‘Ce qui se trame’ – Woven Stories between India and France exhibition, in the French capital, underscoring both nations’ enduring partnership through the lens of textile heritage, on 5th January, 2026.
The exhibition, which celebrates centuries of artistic exchange and craft between India and France, provided a vivid backdrop for Mr Jaishankar’s reflections on the deep cultural links that complement the robust strategic relationship between the two countries. In posts on social media, he highlighted how the display of historic and contemporary textiles from India not only showcased the country’s savoir-faire and creativity but also served as a reminder of the shared threads that bind the two societies. “Visited exposition Ce qui se trame – Woven Stories Between India and France in Paris this evening,” he wrote, noting that the works on display reflect both India’s rich textile traditions and the strong cultural connection the two nations enjoy.
This cultural engagement forms part of a six-day official tour that Mr Jaishankar is undertaking in France and Luxembourg from 4–10 January, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations on multiple fronts. During his stay in Paris, he is scheduled for high-level talks with French leadership, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, on the progress of the India-France Strategic Partnership—a comprehensive framework that spans defence, civil nuclear cooperation, space, and increasingly contemporary areas such as cybersecurity, digitalisation and maritime security.
Mr Jaishankar’s agenda also includes acting as Guest of Honour at the 31st French Ambassadors’ Conference, where he is expected to outline India’s perspectives on global cooperation and diplomacy. The role reflects India’s growing profile on the international stage and the maturity of its engagement with long-standing partners such as France. Following his engagements in France, the External Affairs Minister will travel to Luxembourg to hold discussions with senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. These talks are expected to explore further avenues of bilateral cooperation and reinforce the friendly relations shared by India and Luxembourg—diplomatic ties that have been in place since 1948.
Analysts say the timing of the visit comes as negotiations between India and the European Union on a long-pending Free Trade Agreement enter what officials have described as a “decisive phase,” making engagements such as these even more significant against the backdrop of evolving global economic and strategic landscapes. The Woven Stories exhibition, hosted in one of Europe’s cultural capitals, thus served not just as an artistic showcase but as a subtle testament to the deepening tapestry of India-France relations—where history, art, and contemporary strategy meet.
