Opening remarks by EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar during his meeting with FM Jean-Noël Barrot of France (January 07, 2026)

Minister Barrot, Dear Colleagues,

Let me say that it is a great pleasure to be in Paris for our regular bilateral consultations. France is amongst our oldest strategic partners, the first in Europe and I believe, Minister, that our continuous conversation is an important part of nurturing that relationship.

Our particular meeting takes place in the larger context of considerable global uncertainty, and in such a situation it is natural that Strategic Partners consult very closely. We must and we are making full use of the various mechanisms we have in different domains. We have just had a very productive exchange of views on global and regional issues. So I am very confident that the session that we are going to have on bilateral cooperation will take forward our wide-ranging agenda, perhaps generate new ideas how to implement Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

As you noted, apart from our bilateral ties, we are both very active in the international arena. This year we chaired the BRICS, you chaired the G7. We are both members of the G20. We are also otherwise active in a number of international organizations. So as two nations committed to multi-polarity, I believe that working together is important for ourselves, also for stabilizing the global politics at this stage. So thank you for inviting me, thank you for the particular privilege of addressing your Ambassadors' conference tomorrow, and let me conclude that by adding that we are expecting President Macron in India very soon. So part of what we would be devoting ourselves is to prepare for that.

Once again, a big thank you for your warm welcome and for your hospitality.

Paris
January 07, 2026