India, France Review Economic Security, Strategic Cooperation In Paris

New Delhi, Apr 14 (KNN) India and France have reviewed cooperation on economic security and broader strategic ties during Foreign Office Consultations held in Paris, according to an official statement.

Push to Boost Trade and Talent Mobility

The discussions covered key deliverables under the bilateral relationship, including collaboration on economic security, innovation, and efforts to boost trade and talent mobility, reported ANI.

Both sides also reiterated their shared ambition of doubling bilateral trade and enhancing the crossflow of STEM talent, including increasing the number of Indian students in France.

Talks in Context of Strategic Partnership

The talks were held in the context of the evolving India–France Special Global Strategic Partnership and followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India earlier this year.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met senior French officials, including Martin Briens, and also held discussions with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne.

Review of Key Sectoral Cooperation

The consultations included a comprehensive review of cooperation across key sectors such as defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cyber and digital technologies, and artificial intelligence. Institutional dialogue mechanisms and initiatives to strengthen people-to-people and cultural ties were also discussed.

Both sides exchanged views on global and regional issues, including climate change, health cooperation, developments in West Asia and Ukraine, as well as collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region and joint projects in third countries.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the India-France Year of Innovation and underscored continued high-level engagement between the two countries aimed at strengthening economic and strategic cooperation.

(KNN Bureau)