India-France Talks: New Era of Defense, Tech, and Global Cooperation

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Marseille this week, marking a significant step forward in the India-France partnership. The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in critical areas like defense, security, space, and civilian nuclear energy, reflecting the growing trust and shared interests between the countries.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Jaishankar thanked France for its strong condemnation of the recent cross-border terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and for supporting India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.

 

The talks covered a wide range of topics, including regional and global issues such as the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. Both sides emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, with Jaishankar stating that “no solutions are going to come out of the battlefield.”

 

India and France agreed to intensify collaboration through concrete projects in defense, civilian nuclear energy, space, counterterrorism, innovation, AI, and technology.

 

The ministers also discussed expanding people-to-people ties, especially in education, research, and business, and highlighted France’s role as a valued partner in India’s national museum project and the National Maritime Heritage Complex.

 

Both leaders expressed a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, committed to upholding international law and maritime security.

 

Jaishankar’s visit included a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, where he reiterated the strength of the strategic partnership built on shared values, sovereignty, and a commitment to multilateralism.

 

Sources: The Economic Times, The Indian Express, Business Standard