New Delhi/Paris, Jan 9 (NationPress) The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, engaged with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, reaffirming the robust India–France strategic partnership while discussing critical global issues during a period of notable geopolitical and economic change.

In his dialogue with President Macron, the External Affairs Minister extended warm regards from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and deliberated on evolving global challenges, such as changing power dynamics, regional security issues, and the necessity for closer strategic alignment among like-minded nations.

On the social media platform X, EAM Jaishankar expressed, “It was a pleasure to meet President @EmmanuelMacron of France today and share warm wishes from PM @narendramodi. I value his insights on current global matters and the positive outlook for our Strategic Partnership.”

The longstanding strategic partnership between India and France encompasses defence, space, civil nuclear collaboration, clean energy, and the Indo-Pacific region.

Officials from both nations consistently emphasize this relationship as a stabilizing force in an increasingly multipolar world, with Paris and New Delhi advocating for strategic autonomy and a rules-based international framework.

While in Paris, Jaishankar also addressed the Ambassadors’ Conference of France, discussing the significant changes reshaping global politics and economics. He pointed out how trade, finance, technology, energy, resources, and connectivity are key drivers of contemporary global shifts, underlining that a change in mindset among nations is crucial for responding to these transformations.

He underscored the India–France partnership as a vital pillar for promoting multipolarity and strategic independence.

Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar participated in the inaugural India–Weimar format meeting in Paris, alongside Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

This meeting marked India's first engagement in the Weimar format, indicating a new pathway for structured dialogue with key European powers.

“We have witnessed a significant churn in the Indo-Pacific for several years now. Europe is facing its own challenging circumstances, many of which carry strategic implications. Moreover, overarching developments are poised to redefine the global order itself. Although we are situated in different parts of the world, it is crucial for us to regularly exchange views and share assessments,” Jaishankar remarked during the meeting.

He further stated, “France is one of our oldest strategic partners, the first in Europe, and I believe that our ongoing discussions are essential for nurturing that relationship.”