India, France Hold Economic And Financial Dialogue To Strengthen Bilateral Ties

New Delhi, Jul 4 (KNN) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and France's Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty Roland Lescure co-chaired the India-France Economic and Financial Dialogue in Aix-en-Provence on Friday, reaffirming their commitment to deepen bilateral economic and financial cooperation.

Ministers Reaffirm Strategic Economic Partnership

According to the Ministry of Finance, the dialogue was held under the framework of the India-France strategic partnership, reported ANI.

This follows the commitment made during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India in February 2026 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's engagement to convene the dialogue this year.

The discussions covered the global economic outlook, coordination in multilateral forums and measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation across trade, investment and technology. 

Both ministers also discussed closer alignment between India and France in platforms such as the G20 and the Paris Club, in the context of India's engagement with France's G7 Presidency.

Focus on Supply Chains and Strategic Sectors

The two sides also focused on economic sovereignty and supply chain resilience, including cooperation in critical minerals and ways to enhance cross-border investments. 

They explored opportunities for collaboration in the high-speed railway sector, building on the declaration of intent signed earlier between the two countries.

Financial Cooperation and Future Dialogue

The ministry said both ministers also discussed strengthening financial sector linkages to facilitate greater trade, investment and technology partnerships. 

They acknowledged the contribution of the French Development Agency in supporting development projects in India and welcomed future cooperation in urban infrastructure, climate action and energy.

The Ministry of Finance said both countries agreed to use the India-France Economic and Financial Dialogue as the principal platform for advancing cooperation in economic, financial, technological, investment and trade matters. They also agreed to explore holding the next round of the dialogue in 2027.

(KNN Bureau)