Against a backdrop of mounting geopolitical turbulence, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday that cooperation between India and France has become crucial for maintaining global stability.
Jaishankar made the remarks during talks with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, in Paris. Discussions between the two ministers were largely centred on preparations for French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India next month to attend the AI Summit.
The external affairs minister’s visit to France comes at a time of heightened international concern following the United States’ military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
In his opening comments at the meeting, Jaishankar underscored the broader backdrop of what he described as “considerable global uncertainty,” noting that such circumstances make it natural for strategic partners to consult with each other “very closely.”
”We must and we are making full use of the various mechanisms we have in different domains,” he said.
Jaishankar also noted India chairing the BRICS and France helming the G7 this year and even referred to both sides being part of the G20 grouping.
”We are also otherwise active in a number of international organisations. So as two nations committed to multi-polarity, I believe that working together is important for ourselves, also for stabilising the global politics at this stage,” he said.
The external affairs minister also mentioned Macron’s upcoming visit to India.
”We are expecting President Macron in India very soon,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had co-chaired the AI Summit along with Macron in Paris last February.
”France is amongst our oldest strategic partners, the first in Europe and I believe that our continuous conversation is an important part of nurturing that relationship,” he said.
With inputs from agencies
