India's External Affairs Minister Undertakes Visit to France and Luxembourg

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is on an official visit to France and Luxembourg from January 4-9, 2026, with engagements aimed at strengthening India's bilateral ties with both European nations.​

Engagements in France

During his stay in France, Dr. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet French leadership and hold talks with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions will focus on progress made under the India-France Strategic Partnership and matters of global importance. The External Affairs Minister will also address the 31st edition of the French Ambassadors' Conference as the Guest of Honour.​

On January 4, Dr. Jaishankar visited the exhibition 'Ce qui se trame – woven stories between India and France' in Paris. As he stated, the exhibition showcases India's textile heritage, expertise and craftsmanship, serving as "a reminder of the strong India-France cultural connect."​

The bilateral relationship between India and France is rooted in a Strategic Partnership launched on January 26, 1998, embodying both countries' vision to enhance their strategic independence through cooperation. Defence, security, civil nuclear matters and space form the principal pillars of this partnership, now expanded to include maritime security, digitalisation, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and climate change cooperation.​

Luxembourg Engagement

Following his France engagements, Dr. Jaishankar will travel to Luxembourg, where he will hold discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel and senior government officials. The focus will be on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors. He is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian community in Luxembourg.​

India and Luxembourg maintain warm and friendly relations characterised by mutual understanding and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1948, with Luxembourg opening its embassy in New Delhi in February 2002.