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Jaishankar Visits Paris Cultural Hub, Champions IMEC at G7 Meeting

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the renovated Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris, expressing confidence it will deepen interest in Indian art. During his visit for the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, he strongly advocated for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a solution for resilient trade amid West Asian conflicts. He highlighted that India's recent Free Trade Agreements with the EU, EFTA, and the UK significantly enhance the utility of the IMEC project. Jaishankar also underscored the urgent need for United Nations Security Council reforms and addressed challenges facing the Global South.

Key Points: Jaishankar in Paris: Cultural Diplomacy & IMEC Push at G7

  • Cultural diplomacy in Paris
  • IMEC for resilient trade routes
  • FTAs enhance corridor utility
  • UNSC reform urgency
  • Support from Global South
2 min read

EAM Jaishankar visits Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris

EAM Jaishankar visits Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris and advocates for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

"Confident that the renovated facility will serve as a hub in Paris for deepening interest in Indian art and culture. - S. Jaishankar"

Paris, March 28

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris and expressed hope that the renovated facility will serve as a hub for the deepening interest in Indian art and culture.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, "Visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris. Witnessed impressive expressions of the cultural and spiritual heritage of India."

"Confident that the renovated facility will serve as a hub in Paris for deepening interest in Indian art and culture," he said.

The centre showcases vibrant Indian art exhibits, including tree-of-life murals with elephants and peacocks, and intricate miniature paintings symbolising spiritual heritage.

The centre, managed by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, serves as a diplomatic tool to foster Indo-French ties, aligning with bilateral commitments from Prime Minister Modi's February talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to expand cultural hubs in Europe.

The External Affairs Minister arrived in France on March 27 for the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

During the meeting, he emphasised the importance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) in bolstering global connectivity amid ongoing geopolitical tensions during the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in France.

He noted that the conflict in West Asia reinforces the need for resilient trade routes and secure supply chains.

Addressing the session, EAM Jaishankar highlighted that India's expanding trade agreements with major global partners, including the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the United Kingdom, have added significant value to IMEC.

EAM Jaishankar also appreciated the growing enthusiasm among international partners to realise the connectivity initiative. He underscored the urgency of reforms within the United Nations Security Council and highlighted challenges faced by the Global South.

Taking to social media platform X on Friday, he posted: "Shared views about IMEC at the second session of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting with invited partners. The uncertainties arising from the conflicts in West Asia only make a stronger case for more resilient trade corridors and supply chains."

He further stated: "At the same time, India's FTAs with the European Union, EFTA members and the UK have enhanced the utility of IMEC."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to see our soft power being showcased. The tree-of-life murals and miniature paintings are stunning. Hope they also organise regular yoga, classical dance, and cooking workshops to truly engage the local community in Paris.
R
Rohit P
While the cultural centre is good, I'm more interested in the IMEC talks at the G7. That's the real game-changer for our economy and global standing. Connecting India to Europe via the Middle East is a strategic masterstroke, especially with the current tensions.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Europe, it's heartening to see such initiatives. There's a genuine curiosity about Indian philosophy and art here. A physical hub like this is much better than just online content. Kudos to the team managing it.
V
Vikram M
Jaishankar Sir is doing a fantastic job balancing cultural outreach with hard-nosed economic diplomacy. From Vivekananda's spirituality to trade corridors, he's presenting a complete picture of modern India to the world. More power to him!
K
Karthik V
A respectful suggestion: I hope the centre also showcases contemporary Indian art, design, and tech innovation, not just spiritual heritage. France appreciates modern creativity. Let's show them we are a forward-looking nation too.
M
Michael C
The

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