New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is on a six-day visit to France and Luxembourg, from January 4th to 10th. The main objective of this visit is to further strengthen India's bilateral relations with both countries. In France, Jaishankar will meet with French leaders. He will also hold discussions with the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot. These meetings will focus on the progress of the strategic partnership between India and France, as well as important regional and global issues of mutual interest.
In Paris, the External Affairs Minister will also participate in a special event. He will address the 31st French Ambassadors Conference as the Guest of Honour. Here, he will present India's views on global diplomacy and international cooperation. According to the Ministry's statement, "In Paris, he will meet with the French leadership and hold discussions with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. They will discuss the progress made under the India-France strategic partnership and matters of global importance. The External Affairs Minister will also address the 31st French Ambassadors Conference as the Guest of Honour."
India and France have always shared very close and friendly relations. The two countries have a deep and enduring strategic partnership. This partnership covers every aspect of bilateral cooperation, including strategic matters.
This strategic partnership was initiated on January 26, 1998, with the aim of enhancing the strategic autonomy of both countries by strengthening bilateral cooperation. The main pillars of this partnership are defense and security, nuclear energy, and space.
In recent years, it has also included matters related to the Indo-Pacific region.
In recent years, it has also included matters related to the Indo-Pacific region. The scope of this partnership has now expanded further. It includes issues such as maritime security, digitalization, cybersecurity, advanced computing, counter-terrorism, climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
Jaishankar to visit Luxembourg after France
After his engagements in France, Jaishankar will travel to Luxembourg. There, he will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. He will also hold discussions with other senior leaders of the country. The main objective of these meetings will be to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors. While in Luxembourg, the External Affairs Minister will also meet with members of the Indian community.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that relations between India and Luxembourg are excellent. The level of mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries is very high. This cooperation exists at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
Diplomatic relations between India and Luxembourg were established in 1948. Luxembourg opened its embassy in New Delhi in February 2002. It is one of their five embassies in Asia. Luxembourg also has Honorary Consuls in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
This visit reflects India's continued engagement with European countries. It also demonstrates India's commitment to deepening its strategic and diplomatic relations. This comes at a time when negotiations on a long-stalled Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) have entered a "decisive phase."
Why is this visit important?
This visit is very important for India. It will further strengthen India's relations with European countries like France and Luxembourg, especially as India is working on a major trade agreement with the European Union. It shows how much importance India attaches to its relations with Europe. The External Affairs Minister's visit is a significant step in India's foreign policy. It will further strengthen India's position on the global stage.
