India, France review strategic ties, focus on defence and nuclear cooperation

High-level India-France talks covered defence, trade, and Indo-Pacific cooperation, with emphasis on strengthening ties

April 14, 2026

India and France held talks in Paris to boost cooperation across key sectors and review global developments

Strategic ties in focus as India, France hold high-level talks in Paris

India and France held high-level talks in Paris to review their expanding partnership across key sectors, including defence, civil nuclear energy, space and digital technology, amid evolving global geopolitical developments.

The discussions took place under the India-France Foreign Office Consultations framework, with Vikram Misri and Martin Briens leading the respective delegations.

During the visit, Misri also met Jean-Noel Barrot and Emmanuel Bonne. The visit followed his recent trip to the United States.

Focus on strategic partnership

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides reviewed progress in bilateral ties, particularly after elevating relations to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.

“Both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the progress made in various facets of the bilateral relationship, especially in context of the elevation of ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership and the visit of President (Emmanuel) Macron to India in February,” the MEA said on Misri-Briens meeting.

The talks also covered economic priorities, including efforts to boost trade, enhance economic security, and expand educational exchanges. Both countries discussed increasing the number of Indian students in France and explored the possibility of doubling bilateral trade, especially in the context of the India–EU free trade agreement negotiations.

“The discussions encompassed strategic areas of bilateral cooperation including defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cyber and digital, AI, institutional dialogue mechanisms, and initiatives fostering people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties,” the MEA said in a statement.

Global issues on agenda

Regional and global developments also featured prominently in the talks, including issues related to climate change, health cooperation, and the Indo-Pacific region.

“The two sides also exchanged views on global issues such as cooperation in the environment, climate change and health, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, trilateral dialogues, joint development projects in third countries, as well as developments in West Asia and Ukraine,” it said.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.