In a move brimming with diplomatic significance, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar toured France and Luxembourg from January 4-9, 2026—his inaugural international journey this year. The itinerary emphasized shared stakes between India and European nations in key domains.
Paris hosted crucial summits, starting with President Emmanuel Macron, followed by in-depth exchanges with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on bilateral strides. Focus areas included diversifying ties in innovation, technology, startups, health sectors, education, and mobility solutions. Strategic collaborations in defense, security, space, civil nuclear, maritime security, and economic pillars were also advanced.
Perspectives on worldwide and regional developments were swapped, highlighting common ground. Jaishankar’s keynote at the 31st Conference of French Ambassadors as the pioneering non-European Guest of Honour spotlighted global transformations and strategic independence.
The debut India-Weimar foreign ministers’ conclave united leaders from France, Germany, and Poland, with Jaishankar pushing for intensified India-Europe and India-EU interconnections.
He connected with French MPs from India-France friendship circles and the defence-foreign affairs parliamentary panels. Additional parleys involved IEA head Fatih Birol and UNESCO’s Khalid Al-Anani.
Luxembourg leg featured talks with PM Luc Frieden and Deputy PM Xavier Bettel, scrutinizing relations across political, trade, investment, financial services, innovation, digital tech, space tech, and interpersonal bonds. Regional-global issue exchanges ensued.
Speaking to Luxembourg’s Indian community, Jaishankar commended their efforts in fortifying ties and promoting India locally.
These engagements illuminate India’s prioritization of France-Luxembourg bilaterals and its expansive EU partnership, accentuating aligned interests in a shifting geopolitical landscape.