New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) The External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, is set to embark on an official visit to France and Luxembourg from January 4-9. In France, he will engage with the French leadership and discuss key issues with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean Noel Barrot.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions will focus on the advancements under the India-France Strategic Partnership and other significant global matters. The EAM will also serve as the Guest of Honour at the 31st edition of the French Ambassador’s Conference.

While in Luxembourg, EAM Jaishankar will hold discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Xavier Bettel, as well as the senior leadership. He plans to engage with members of the Indian community residing in Luxembourg.

Last November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with French President Emmanuel Macron during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

PM Modi expressed, "Delighted to meet President Macron during the Johannesburg G20 Summit. Our discussions covered various topics, reaffirming that India–France ties are a force for global good," via a post on X.

The two leaders previously engaged in a phone conversation last September, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and reiterating India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution and the restoration of stability in the region.

They also coordinated on August 21, 2025, discussing their strategies regarding the war in Ukraine to achieve a fair and lasting peace.

Throughout their recent dialogues, the leaders have closely monitored and positively evaluated their bilateral collaboration across several sectors such as economic, defence, science, technology, and space. They pledged to further enhance the India-France Strategic Partnership in alignment with the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap, and the Defence Industrial Roadmap.

PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Macron for accepting an invitation to the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in February 2026, and he looks forward to welcoming the French leader.

On trade matters, they concurred on enhancing economic exchanges and strengthening their strategic partnership across all domains, which they believe is crucial for sovereignty and independence. Building upon the AI Action Summit held in Paris last February, they are striving for the success of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in 2026. For more effective multilateralism, they agreed to collaborate closely in preparation for the upcoming French presidency of the G7 and the Indian presidency of the BRICS in 2026,” stated Macron in a post on X dated August 21.