Amid Ongoing India-EU FTA Talks, New Delhi Steps Up Outreach As EAM Jaishankar Heads to France, Luxembourg

Twenty eight years ago in January 1998, India had established its first-ever strategic partnership with a European nation and now New Delhi is moving to deepen that very same strategic footprint. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has embarked on a six-day official visit to France and Luxembourg from January 4 to 10, aimed at strengthening political, strategic and economic ties with key European partners.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been pending for long but negotiations on the same have finally entered a “decisive phase”, according to diplomats and ministers. EAM Jaishankar’s visit comes at a time when New Delhi is recalibrating its global partnerships amid shifting geopolitical alignments.

India is also seeking to reinforce long-standing relationships that anchor its strategic autonomy, as part of a bigger move aimed at diversified trade, technology and investment links beyond traditional partners.

S Jaishankar France visit: Why does the European nation hold a special place?

France occupies a unique position in India’s diplomatic architecture as New Delhi’s first-ever Strategic Partner, a relationship launched on January 26, 1998. The partnership was conceived to enhance strategic independence for both nations through deep, long-term cooperation across sensitive and high-technology domains.

Over the years, the India–France Strategic Partnership has emerged as one of India’s most comprehensive and trusted global relationships, spanning defence, nuclear energy, space, and increasingly, the Indo-Pacific. Both the countries had in 2023 agreed to adopt a roadmap to set the course for the bilateral relationship up to 2047 to mark the 25th anniversary of their partnership.

Notably, France is one of India’s key partners in the development of a self-reliant defence industrial and technological base. From Rafale fighter jets to Scorpene submarines, both the countries have partnered on several fronts.

What will Jaishankar discussed with French leadership?

During his engagements in Paris, EAM Jaishankar will meet senior French leadership and hold talks with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Discussions are expected to focus on progress made under the strategic partnership and coordination on key regional and global issues.

“They will discuss the progress made under the India-France Strategic Partnership and matters of global importance. EAM will also address the 31st edition of the French Ambassadors’ Conference as the Guest of Honour,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The talks are also likely to cover defence and security cooperation, maritime collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, digital technologies, ongoing and future military-to-military engagements, climate action and sustainable development.

Jaishankar to address French Ambassadors’ Conference

In a reflection of India’s growing global stature, EAM Jaishankar is also set to address the 31st edition of the French Ambassadors’ Conference as Guest of Honour, where he is expected to outline India’s perspectives on global diplomacy, multipolarity and international cooperation.

The address could widely be viewed as an opportunity for India to directly engage France’s global diplomatic network at a time of heightened geopolitical flux.

Originally anchored in defence and security, civil nuclear cooperation and space, the partnership has steadily expanded to include maritime security, advanced computing, digitalisation, cybersecurity, renewable energy and climate change. In recent years, a strong Indo-Pacific dimension has been added, with both countries coordinating closely to promote a free, open and rules-based regional order.

What role does Luxembourg play in India’s Europe strategy?

After France, Jaishankar will travel to Luxembourg, where he will meet Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel and other senior leaders to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation across sectors. India and Luxembourg share warm relations, with diplomatic ties dating back to 1948.

Luxembourg opened its embassy in New Delhi in 2002 and maintains honorary consuls in several Indian cities. The visit will also include an interaction with the Indian diaspora, underscoring New Delhi’s people-centric diplomacy.

Worth noting here is that Jaishankar’s France and Luxembourg tour underscores India’s sustained engagement with Europe as negotiations between India and the European Union on a long-pending FTA seems to be proceeding well.