External Affairs Minister begins 6-day visit to France, Luxembourg

Mr. Jaishankar’s visit to France comes against the backdrop of growing global concerns over the U.S. capturing Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a military operation.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday (January 4, 2025) began a six-day visit to France and Luxembourg to hold talks on bilateral and global issues of mutual interests.

In Paris, he will meet the French leadership and hold talks with Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Mr. Jaishankar’s visit to France comes against the backdrop of growing global concerns over the U.S. capturing Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a military operation.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that Mr. Jaishankar and Mr. Barrot will discuss the progress made under the India-France strategic partnership and matters of global importance.

The two ministers are also expected to prepare the ground for French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India next month to participate in the weeklong 2026 AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had co-chaired the AI Summit along with Mr. Macron in Paris last February.

Mr. Jaishankar will also address the 31st edition of the French Ambassadors’ Conference, the Ministry sources said.

The External Affairs Minister will also be visiting Luxembourg, where he will hold discussions with Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and with other senior leaders. Mr. Bettel is also the Deputy Prime Minister.

In Luxembourg, Mr. Jaishankar will also interact with the members of the Indian community.