New Delhi, January 5, 2026 – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar commenced his six-day Jaishankar France visit on January 4, meeting French leaders in Paris to discuss bilateral progress and global matters, while preparing for French President Emmanuel Macron’s attendance at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in India.
This Jaishankar France visit highlights India’s efforts to deepen European alliances amid evolving international dynamics, crucial for South Asian stability through enhanced trade, technology sharing, and security cooperation with key partners like France.
Jaishankar France Visit Agenda
During the Jaishankar France visit, Jaishankar held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot. The discussions covered advancements in the India-France Strategic Partnership, established in 1998, which encompasses defence, space, and civil nuclear cooperation. They also addressed global issues, including climate change and multilateral reforms.
Jaishankar served as the Guest of Honour at the 31st French Ambassadors’ Conference, where he outlined India’s perspectives on international affairs. This engagement during the Jaishankar France visit underscores the mutual trust built over decades, with France supporting India’s bids for permanent UN Security Council membership.
The Jaishankar France visit occurs against recent global events, such as the US operation in Venezuela, prompting talks on regional stability. Official statements emphasise the visit’s role in aligning strategies on Indo-Pacific security, where both nations operate joint naval exercises.
Jaishankar Luxembourg Visit Highlights
Shifting to the second leg, the Jaishankar Luxembourg visit involves meetings with Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. Scheduled for later in the week, these talks aim to expand economic ties, focusing on financial services and sustainable development.
Luxembourg hosts a significant Indian diaspora, and Jaishankar plans interactions with community members. The Jaishankar Luxembourg visit builds on existing agreements in fintech and space technology, with Luxembourg’s expertise in satellite systems complementing India’s growing space sector.
Bilateral trade between India and Luxembourg reached EUR 200 million in 2025, driven by investments in mutual funds and green energy. The Jaishankar Luxembourg visit seeks to elevate this partnership, potentially through new memoranda on digital innovation.
Preparation for Macron India Visit 2026
A key aspect of the Jaishankar France visit is coordination for Macron India visit 2026. French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to India next month to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 15-20.
The Macron India visit 2026 follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s co-chairing of the AI Action Summit with Macron in Paris last February. Official communications confirm Macron’s acceptance of the invitation, extended during a September 2025 phone call between Modi and Macron.
During the Jaishankar France visit, discussions with Barrot included logistical preparations for the Macron India visit 2026, ensuring alignment on agendas like AI ethics and sustainable development.
Focus on AI Impact Summit 2026
The AI Impact Summit 2026 emerges as a pivotal theme in the Jaishankar France visit. Hosted by India, the summit will gather over 100 global CEOs and 15 world leaders, including Macron, to address AI’s role in human development and bridging digital divides.
Themes for the AI Impact Summit 2026 include ‘Democratizing AI’ and sustainability, with sessions on AI applications in agriculture, healthcare, and education, areas vital for South Asia’s growth. India’s initiative positions it as a leader in ethical AI governance.
Prime Minister Modi announced the AI Impact Summit 2026 during the previous Paris event, emphasising collaborative innovation. The Jaishankar France visit facilitates bilateral contributions, such as joint AI research projects.
Over 100 countries are expected at the AI Impact Summit 2026, showcasing solutions from global challenges. This aligns with India’s National AI Strategy, aiming for USD 1 trillion in AI-driven economic value by 2035.
Background
India and France share a robust strategic partnership since 1998, marked by milestones like the Rafale aircraft deal and joint space missions. Annual trade exceeds EUR 15 billion, with France as a top investor in India’s defence sector.
Luxembourg relations, formalised in 1947, focus on economic complementarity. As a EU hub, Luxembourg supports India’s trade negotiations with the bloc, vital for South Asian exports.
Recent collaborations include the India-EU Connectivity Partnership, enhancing infrastructure links. The Jaishankar France visit and Jaishankar Luxembourg visit reinforce these ties amid global supply chain shifts.
What’s Next
Post the Jaishankar France visit and Jaishankar Luxembourg visit, attention turns to the Macron India visit 2026 and AI Impact Summit 2026 outcomes. Potential agreements on AI co-development could emerge, boosting South Asian tech ecosystems.
The Jaishankar France visit sets the stage for sustained dialogue, ensuring India’s proactive role in global forums.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 5th, 2026
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