Visit of External Affairs Minister to France and Luxembourg (04–09 January 2026)

The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, paid an official visit to the Republic of France and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg from 04-09 January 2026 reflective of India's growing engagement with Europe.

2. During the visit EAM called-on the President of French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron. He also held bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Mr. Jean Noel Barrot on the progress in bilateral ties in key areas and upcoming high level political engagements. In view of the India-France Year of Innovation, they explored ways to diversify ties in areas of innovation and technology, startups, health, education and mobility, as well as discussed growing cooperation in strategic areas of defence, security, space, civil nuclear and maritime security and economy. They also exchanged perspectives on key global and regional developments.

3. At the invitation of Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, EAM addressed the 31st Conference of Ambassadors of France as Guest of Honour, underlining the contemporary global shifts in the world while highlighting the importance of strategic autonomy. EAM is the first non-European Foreign Minister to be the Guest of Honour at the Conference.

4. EAM also participated in the first India-Weimar Foreign Ministers' meeting, which included Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and Poland. During the meeting EAM stressed on the importance of deepening India-Europe and India-EU relations.

5. EAM also interacted with French parliamentarians, including members of India-France Parliamentary Friendship Groups and the Parliamentary Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee. He also held discussions with Executive Director of International Energy Agency Mr. Fatih Birol and Director General of UNESCO Mr. Khaled El-Enany.

6. In Luxembourg, EAM had an audience with HRH Duke Guillaume and called on the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, H.E. Mr. Luc Frieden. He also held bilateral discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, H.E. Mr. Xavier Bettel. The meetings provided an opportunity to review the full spectrum of India-Luxembourg relations, including political cooperation, trade and investment, financial services, innovation, digital technologies, space and people-to-people ties, as well as to exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

7. In Luxembourg, EAM addressed members of the Indian community, acknowledging their contribution to strengthening the bridge between India and Luxembourg and their role in enhancing India's profile in the region.

8. The visit reflected the importance India attached to its bilateral relations with France and Luxembourg as well as its broader partnership with the European Union, and underscored the growing convergence of interests between India and Europe in the evolving global landscape.

New Delhi
January 11, 2026