The India-France Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held on January 20, 2025, in Paris. The consultations were co-chaired by Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of India, and Ms. Anne-Marie Descôtes, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. During his visit, Foreign Secretary Misri also met Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, and Mr. Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the French Republic.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for both sides to review progress across key areas outlined in the India-France Horizon 2047 Roadmap, a long-term vision for bilateral cooperation. Discussions encompassed vital sectors, including:
- Defence and Civil Nuclear Energy: Strengthening collaboration in joint military exercises, defence manufacturing, and energy security through civil nuclear projects.
- Space, Cyber, and Digital Technologies: Expanding partnerships in satellite technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.
- People-to-People and Cultural Ties: Enhancing educational exchanges, tourism, and cultural cooperation to foster stronger societal connections.
The two delegations also explored opportunities to deepen ties in high-end technology sectors, reaffirming their commitment to innovation and mutual growth.
On global and regional issues, the discussions covered:
- Climate Change and Environment: Joint efforts to combat climate change, promote sustainable development, and advance the clean energy transition.
- Indo-Pacific Cooperation: Strengthening maritime security, connectivity, and regional stability through enhanced collaboration.
- International Crises: Exchanging views on the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and other pressing geopolitical challenges.
- Trilateral Dialogues and Development Projects: Enhancing cooperation in third countries through trilateral partnerships, with a focus on Africa and the Indo-Pacific.
In addition to the FOC, the two leaders co-chaired the meeting of the India-France Special Task Force on Civil Nuclear Energy, where they reaffirmed their commitment to advancing joint projects and ensuring energy security.
The consultations underscored the enduring strength of the India-France Strategic Partnership, grounded in shared values, mutual trust, and a commitment to addressing global challenges collaboratively.