Jaishankar Meets Macron in Paris, Reaffirms India–France Strategic Partnership Amid Global Shifts

New Delhi/Paris, Jan 2026 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday, reaffirming the strength of the India–France strategic partnership and exchanging perspectives on global developments at a time of major geopolitical and economic transitions.

During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed contemporary global challenges, including shifting power dynamics, regional security issues, and the growing need for closer strategic coordination among like-minded nations.

Taking to social media platform X, Jaishankar wrote, “Delighted to call on President @EmmanuelMacron of France today and convey warm wishes of PM @narendramodi. Deeply appreciate his perspectives on contemporary global developments and positive sentiments for our Strategic Partnership.”

India and France maintain a long-standing strategic partnership encompassing defence, space, civil nuclear cooperation, clean energy, and engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Both nations have consistently highlighted this relationship as a stabilising force in an increasingly multipolar world, advocating strategic autonomy and rules-based international engagement.

In Paris, Jaishankar also addressed the Ambassadors’ Conference of France, speaking on the profound changes reshaping global politics and economics. He emphasised that trade, finance, technology, energy, resources, and connectivity are key drivers of contemporary global shifts, and noted that changes in national mindsets are becoming decisive in responding effectively to these transformations. He described the India–France partnership as an important pillar for promoting multipolarity and safeguarding strategic autonomy.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar participated in the first India–Weimar format meeting in Paris, alongside Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The engagement marked India’s inaugural participation in the Weimar format, opening a new avenue for structured dialogue with key European powers.

“We have been witnessing for quite some years now that churn in the Indo-Pacific. Europe is going through its own challenging circumstances, many of which have strategic implications. But beyond that, there have also been overarching developments that could redefine the global order itself. We may be located in different parts of the world, but despite that, perhaps even because of that, it is extremely useful for us to exchange views regularly and to share assessments,” Jaishankar said during the meeting.

He also highlighted the historical depth of India–France ties, stating, “France is amongst our oldest strategic partners, the first in Europe, and I believe that our continuous conversation is an important part of nurturing that relationship.”

The visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with Europe, while simultaneously reinforcing its global partnerships to navigate a rapidly evolving international landscape.