External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on 8 January 2026, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm wishes and reaffirming the strong India-France strategic partnership amid global shifts.
Jaishankar meets Macron during his official visit to France from 4 to 9 January 2026. The leaders exchanged views on contemporary global developments. They highlighted the positive momentum in bilateral cooperation. This Jaishankar Macron Paris meeting underscores deepening ties in strategic areas.
Jaishankar Macron defence cooperation featured prominently in discussions. The two sides reviewed progress in defence, security, space, civil nuclear cooperation, maritime security, and the economy. These sectors form the core of the long-standing India France strategic partnership.
Why This Matters in South Asia
South Asia watches India’s global engagements closely. Strong ties with France enhance India’s strategic depth in defence and technology. This supports regional stability amid Indo-Pacific tensions and border challenges. France remains a reliable partner for advanced defence systems like Rafale aircraft. The partnership aids India’s self-reliance goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat. For Pakistan and neighbours, India’s diversified alliances signal balanced multipolarity. This reduces over-dependence on single powers and promotes rules-based order in the region.
Details of the Jaishankar Macron Paris Meeting
The meeting took place in Paris on Thursday, 8 January 2026 (local time). External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed warm wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He appreciated President Macron’s perspectives on global issues. The leaders reaffirmed positive sentiments for the India France strategic partnership.
Jaishankar posted on X: “Delighted to call on President @EmmanuelMacron of France today and convey warm wishes of PM @narendramodi. Deeply appreciate his perspectives on contemporary global developments and positive sentiments for our Strategic Partnership. As well as the significance of India France partnership in promoting multi-polarity and strategic autonomy.”
President Macron confirmed his forthcoming visit to India in February 2026 for the AI Impact Summit. This visit will further elevate bilateral cooperation in technology and innovation.
Broader Context of the Visit
Jaishankar’s trip marked India’s first major diplomatic outreach in 2026. He held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on 7 January 2026. Discussions focused on preparations for high-level engagements, including Macron’s India visit.
The minister addressed the 31st Conference of Ambassadors of France as Guest of Honour. He became the first non-European foreign minister to do so. Jaishankar underlined global shifts driven by trade, finance, technology, energy, resources, and connectivity. He emphasised mindset changes and the role of the India France strategic partnership in multipolarity and strategic autonomy.
Jaishankar participated in the inaugural India-Weimar Foreign Ministers’ meeting with counterparts from France, Germany, and Poland. Topics included deepening India-EU relations, Indo-Pacific challenges, and perspectives on the Ukraine conflict.
He also interacted with French parliamentarians from the India-France Parliamentary Friendship Groups and the Parliamentary Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee.
Jaishankar Macron defence cooperation builds on established ties. France supplies key defence platforms to India. Ongoing projects include Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines. Discussions explored further collaboration in space, nuclear energy, and maritime domains.
The India France strategic partnership dates back decades. It spans defence, clean energy, and Indo-Pacific security. Both nations advocate strategic autonomy. They resist bloc politics in a multipolar world.
Forward-Looking Outlook
The Jaishankar meets Macron encounter sets the stage for continued high-level engagement. President Macron’s February visit to India will advance cooperation in AI, technology, and strategic sectors. As global uncertainties persist, sustained Jaishankar Macron defence cooperation and India France strategic partnership will promote stability. This benefits both nations and the broader international order.
What’s Next
Preparations intensify for President Macron’s India visit in February 2026. The AI Impact Summit will provide a platform for deeper technology ties. Additional bilateral dialogues will explore new areas in defence and innovation. Progress depends on consistent high-level commitment.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 12th, 2026
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