India’s growing strategic involvement with Europe, particularly France, has been highlighted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent appearances at the Raisina Mediterranean 2025 debate in Marseille.
Jaishankar emphasized the convergence of interests and shared values that support the long-lasting India-France friendship in his conversations with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. He underlined that a strong commitment to multilateralism and international law, as well as strategic autonomy and mutual trust, serve as the foundation for this relationship.
Trade, defense, clean energy, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), culture, and people-to-people relations were among the many topics of bilateral cooperation that were discussed during the discussions between Jaishankar and Barrot.
With an eye toward the forthcoming India-France Year of Innovation in 2026, both parties investigated new prospects in cutting-edge fields like technology, artificial intelligence, cyber, and space. Particularly in light of recent cross-border attacks, Jaishankar praised France’s unwavering support for India’s right to self-defense and its categorical denunciation of terrorism.
In his remarks at the Raisina Mediterranean 2025 conference, Jaishankar emphasized Europe’s growing strategic independence and its transition to a more self-aware, autonomous approach to international affairs. Given their readiness to plan both independently and jointly, he noted that France is by far India’s most reliable European partner.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance that communication and diplomacy, not conflict, are the means of resolving differences. The talks also touched on urgent regional and global issues, such as the circumstances in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Indian subcontinent.
Beyond France, Jaishankar emphasized the value of trade-driven alliances and strong interpersonal ties while expressing India’s keen interest in the Mediterranean region. By taking part in talks with Armenian leaders and influential European research tanks, he further demonstrated India’s intention to increase its strategic presence in the Mediterranean and throughout Europe.
By using common interests and values to address global issues and promote innovation-driven collaboration, Jaishankar’s visits to France and the Raisina Mediterranean 2025 conference demonstrate India’s proactive commitment to fortifying its strategic connections with Europe.
