On April 13, in the stunning city of Paris, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-led the India–France Foreign Office Consultations alongside Martin Briens, the Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As outlined by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the talks spanned an extensive array of subjects, including defence, civil nuclear energy, space, as well as cyber and digital cooperation, AI, and innovation. They also focused on initiatives designed to enhance human and cultural ties amidst the latest global and regional dynamics.

In a statement on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared, "Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri co-chaired the India–France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General Martin Briens, engaging in discussions covering various critical issues such as civil nuclear energy, defence, space, cyber and digital cooperation, AI, innovation, and enhancing people-to-people and cultural ties, alongside global and regional developments."

Prior to the consultations, the Indian Foreign Secretary had a meeting with Jean-Noel Barrot, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, where they delved into bilateral cooperation and current global challenges, particularly the situation in the Middle East.

The discussions, as conveyed by the Indian Embassy in France on X, emphasized the significance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement established between Iran and the United States, along with the necessity of achieving a swift and sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict through diplomatic efforts.

In light of the tense security scenario in the Middle East, following unsuccessful negotiations between American and Iranian officials, the meeting underscored the critical need for restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. With India working closely with the French G7 Presidency, they explored collaborative responses to address significant macroeconomic disparities and promote a more inclusive form of multilateralism, as per a statement from the French Foreign Ministry.

Additionally, Misri visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Paris, where he attended the exhibition titled “L’Art de L’Inde: Aujourd’hui,” showcasing 80 artworks by 40 Indian artists, thus reflecting India’s vibrant artistic traditions.

Following his engagements in France, Vikram Misri is set to travel to Germany, where he will co-chair Foreign Office Consultations with Geza Andreas von Geyr, the State Secretary of the German Foreign Office.

This visit aligns with the recent trips by German Chancellor H.E. Mr. Friedrich Merz and French President H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron to India in January and February 2026, respectively, and is part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between India and Europe. It aims to review the comprehensive spectrum of India’s bilateral relations with both nations and further ongoing cooperation in key priority areas, as highlighted by the MEA.