India and France undertook a comprehensive review of their bilateral relationship during the Foreign Office Consultations held in Paris on Monday, with a focus on economic security, innovation and strategic cooperation.
According to an official statement, the discussions covered progress across multiple areas of engagement, particularly following the elevation of ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership and the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India in February 2026.
“Both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the progress made in various facets of the bilateral relationship, especially in context of the elevation of ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership and the visit of President Macron to India in February 2026. The two sides also reviewed key deliverables including the India-France Year of Innovation, cooperation on economic security, the shared ambition of increasing the crossflow of STEM talent, including more Indian students in France, and the goal of doubling bilateral trade, especially in light of the conclusion of negotiations of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement,” the statement said.
The consultations covered a wide range of strategic sectors, including defence, civil nuclear energy, space cooperation, cyber and digital technologies, and artificial intelligence. Institutional dialogue mechanisms and initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties were also reviewed.
© x.com/IndiaembFranceIn addition to bilateral cooperation, both sides exchanged views on global and regional issues. These included collaboration on environment, climate change and health, developments in the Indo-Pacific region, and ongoing situations in West Asia and Ukraine. Discussions also touched on trilateral partnerships and joint development projects in third countries.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-chaired the consultations with Martin Briens, Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two officials agreed to meet again later this year for the Strategic Space Dialogue.
During the visit, Misri also met Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President. His engagements included discussions on bilateral cooperation as well as global challenges, including the situation in West Asia.
“Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Discussions covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, ongoing global challenges including the situation in West Asia,” an official update noted.
Misri also visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris, where he viewed the exhibition “L’Art de L’Inde: Aujourd’hui,” featuring 80 artworks by 40 Indian artists and highlighting contemporary Indian artistic traditions.
The visit follows President Macron’s trip to India earlier this year and reflects continued high-level exchanges between India and European partners.
Prior to his visit to France, Misri was in the United States, where he held discussions with senior officials to advance India-US cooperation. His meetings included talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, focusing on trade, energy and artificial intelligence policy.
During his three-day visit to Washington, Misri also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and held discussions at the Pentagon with Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby.
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