In a significant move to solidify the newly elevated "Special Global Strategic Partnership," India and France conducted a comprehensive review of their bilateral relationship during Foreign Office Consultations held in Paris on Monday.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and French Secretary General Martin Briens focused on high-priority deliverables, including the "India-France Year of Innovation" and enhanced cooperation on economic security.

The discussions followed the landmark visit of President Emmanuel Macron to India in February 2026, with both nations expressing a shared ambition to double bilateral trade—leveraging the recent conclusion of India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations—and to increase the crossflow of STEM talent by bringing more Indian students to France.

The dialogue encompassed a wide array of strategic sectors, including defense, civil nuclear energy, space, cyber and digital cooperation, and artificial intelligence.

Beyond technical collaboration, the two sides discussed institutional mechanisms to foster cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges.

On the global stage, the representatives exchanged views on climate change, health cooperation, and the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific.

The MEA noted that the officials also analyzed developments in West Asia and Ukraine, and explored joint development projects in third countries. To further deepen high-tech ties, both parties agreed to convene the "Strategic Space Dialogue" later this year.

During his stay in the French capital, Foreign Secretary Misri called on Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and held a strategic meeting with Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to the President.

Demonstrating the cultural dimension of the trip, Misri visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) to view the "L'Art de L'Inde: Aujourd'hui" exhibition, which showcases 80 works by 40 Indian artists.

This visit to Paris is part of a broader diplomatic tour reflecting intense high-level engagement between New Delhi and Western powers.

Prior to his arrival in Europe, Foreign Secretary Misri concluded a high-stakes three-day visit to the United States.

In Washington, he held productive talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio—who is slated to visit India next month—and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

Discussions with Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg centered on trade, energy, and pro-innovation AI policies.

Misri also visited the Pentagon for talks with Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby, reinforcing the defense pillars of the India-US relationship before transitioning to his European engagements.

Source: ANI