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India-France Boost Economic Security & Innovation in Paris Strategic Talks

India and France conducted a comprehensive review of their Special Global Strategic Partnership during Foreign Office Consultations in Paris. Key discussion points included cooperation on economic security, the India-France Year of Innovation, and goals to double bilateral trade and increase the crossflow of STEM students. The talks also covered strategic areas like defence, civil nuclear energy, space, and artificial intelligence. The meeting followed French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India in February and included plans for a future Strategic Space Dialogue.

Key Points: India-France Review Economic Security, Trade in Paris Talks

  • Reviewed economic security cooperation
  • Aim to double bilateral trade & increase STEM talent flow
  • Discussed defence, space, AI & nuclear energy
  • Exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, Ukraine & West Asia
3 min read

India-France review cooperation on economic security during talks in Paris

India & France held Foreign Office Consultations in Paris, reviewing economic security, innovation, trade, and strategic cooperation in defence, space, and AI.

"Both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the progress made in various facets of the bilateral relationship - Ministry of External Affairs"

Paris, April 13

India and France reviewed key deliverables, including cooperation in economic security, during the Foreign Office Consultations in Paris on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement.

"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 added.

The statement added that the discussions encompassed strategic areas of bilateral cooperation including defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cyber and digital, AI, institutional dialogue mechanisms, and initiatives fostering people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties.

"The two sides also exchanged views on global issues such as cooperation in environment, climate change and health, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, trilateral dialogues, joint development projects in third countries, as well as developments in West Asia and Ukraine," it said.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Secretary General Martin Briens agreed to meet again for the Strategic Space Dialogue, scheduled to be held later this year, the MEA added.

During the visit, the Foreign Secretary also called on Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, and met Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of France.

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.

https://x.com/IndiaembFrance/status/2043272509093462446?s=20

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 an Indian student hoping to study abroad, the focus on increasing STEM talent flow to France is very encouraging. Scholarships and easier visa processes would make a huge difference. Hope this translates into concrete opportunities soon!
V
Vikram M
Good to see defence, space, and AI on the agenda. France has been a reliable partner for decades, unlike some other Western nations with shifting loyalties. This partnership is crucial for our strategic autonomy and technological advancement.
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Priya S
While the talks sound comprehensive, I hope "economic security" also means protecting our domestic industries and MSMEs from unfair competition post-FTA. The benefits must be mutual and not one-sided. The cultural exhibition at SVCC is a lovely touch for soft diplomacy.
R
Rohit P
The back-to-back high-level visits (US then France) show India is actively shaping its foreign policy and not just reacting. Building strong, independent ties with multiple powers is the way to go in today's world. Jai Hind!
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Michael C
The mention of joint development projects in third countries is interesting. India-France collaboration in Africa and the Indo-Pacific could be a force for sustainable development, offering an alternative model to other global players.

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