New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged with the visiting French Senate Friendship Group, headed by Senator Mireille Jouve, in New Delhi to explore various dimensions of their bilateral relationship.

EAM Jaishankar expressed optimism that consistent parliamentary interactions between the two countries will significantly bolster the Special Global Strategic Partnership.

"It was a pleasure to meet the French Senate Friendship Group led by Senator Mireille Jouve in Delhi. Our discussions encompassed multiple facets of our bilateral connection. I am confident that ongoing parliamentary exchanges will further strengthen our Special Global Strategic Partnership," the EAM shared on X following the meeting.

Earlier, the France–India Parliamentary Friendship Group convened with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament House, where they deliberated on enhancing collaborative efforts across various sectors as outlined in the 'Horizon 2047 Roadmap', alongside exploring opportunities for technological partnerships.

"It was rewarding to engage with the delegation from the France–India Parliamentary Friendship Group at the Parliament House, focusing on fortifying bilateral relations and enhancing parliamentary cooperation. Our discussions underscored the vigor of the India–France special global strategic partnership and the significance of our shared democratic values," Birla commented on X.

"Additionally, we deliberated on strengthening collaboration across sectors per the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, along with technological cooperation. Parliamentary exchanges are a crucial pillar of our partnership, facilitating mutual learning and reinforcing democratic institutions. We remain committed to deepening these exchanges and enhancing people-to-people connections," he added.

On Monday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-chaired the India–France Foreign Office Consultations with Martin Briens, Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Paris.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that discussions spanned a wide array of topics, including defense, civil nuclear energy, space collaboration, cyber and digital cooperation, artificial intelligence, and innovation, along with initiatives aimed at reinforcing human and cultural ties in light of recent global and regional developments.

The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, posted on X, "Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri co-chaired the India–France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martin Briens, focusing on a wide range of issues from civil nuclear energy and defense to space collaboration and cultural ties amidst global and regional changes."

During his Paris visit, Misri also met with the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, to discuss bilateral cooperation and pressing global challenges, including the situation in the Middle East.

The Indian Embassy in France stated on X: "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had a productive meeting with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs H.E. Jean-Noel Barrot, addressing key areas of bilateral cooperation and current global challenges such as the situation in the Middle East."