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India, France Deepen Ties in Defence, Nuclear Energy & AI During Key Talks

India and France held comprehensive Foreign Office Consultations in Paris, co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and France's Secretary General Martin Briens. The talks spanned critical areas including defence, civil nuclear energy, space, and cooperation in AI and digital innovation. Misri also called on French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, discussing bilateral cooperation and global challenges like the situation in West Asia. This engagement follows recent high-level exchanges, including President Macron's visit to India, underscoring the robust strategic partnership.

Key Points: India-France Talks: Defence, Nuclear, AI Cooperation

  • Defence & civil nuclear energy cooperation
  • AI, innovation & digital partnership
  • Regional & global developments reviewed
  • Strengthening people-to-people cultural ties
2 min read

Defence, civil nuclear energy, regional developments discussed during India-France Foreign Office Consultations

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-chaired consultations in Paris, discussing defence, civil nuclear energy, space, and AI with French officials.

"Discussions covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, ongoing global challenges including the situation in West Asia - Indian Embassy"

Paris, April 13

India and France held wide-ranging discussions during the Foreign Office Consultations on a range of issues from AI, innovation, and digital cooperation.

The details were shared by the Indian Embassy in France in a post on X.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-chaired the India-France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martin Briens.

The discussions revolved around areas including defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cyber and digital cooperation, AI, innovation, and initiatives to strengthen people-to-people and cultural ties, the Indian Embassy said.

It also noted that the latest global and regional developments were also discussed.

Earlier today, Foreign Secretary Misri also called on French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot during his visit to Paris.

"Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri called on the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs H.E. @jnbarrot. Discussions covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, ongoing global challenges including the situation in West Asia", the Indian Embassy said.

Earlier, Misri also visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Paris and saw the exhibition "L'Art de L'Inde: Aujourd'hui," which showcases 80 artworks by 40 Indian artists and highlights India's living artistic traditions.

His visit follows French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India earlier in February and reflects the continued regular high-level exchanges between India and Europe.

The Foreign Secretary was previously in the United States where he met key leaders and held discussions on further deepening India-US cooperation across the varied dimensions of the relationship.

Misri held talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg expressed pleasure over his meeting with Misri, highlighting discussions on trade, energy cooperation and advancing pro-innovation policies in artificial intelligence.

During his three-day visit to Washington, he also had a "productive" meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to visit India next month.

The Foreign Secretary's itinerary included significant talks at the Pentagon with Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in tech, the focus on AI and digital cooperation is very promising. Hope this leads to more joint research initiatives and startups between Indian and French innovators. The cultural exchange through the art exhibition is a nice touch too.
R
Rohit P
Strong ties with France are crucial for our strategic autonomy. While the discussions sound good, I hope the outcomes are concrete and not just more diplomatic statements. We need faster progress on the Jaitapur nuclear plant, for instance.
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Priya S
Glad to see people-to-people ties being emphasized. So many Indian students go to France. Easier visas and more cultural programs like the SVCC exhibition will really strengthen the bond at the grassroots level. Bonne initiative!
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Michael C
The article mentions discussions on West Asia. Given the complex situation there, it's vital for major powers like India and France to coordinate. Hope this dialogue contributes to stability, not just serves bilateral interests.
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Kavya N
Foreign Secretary Misri is having a packed global tour! From the US to France, engaging with key partners. This shows India's growing diplomatic heft. The focus on innovation and energy is exactly what we need for Viksit Bharat.

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