External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar embarked on a six-day official visit to France and Luxembourg from January 4 to 9, 2026, to bolster India’s strategic partnerships with these key European nations. In Paris, he will meet French leadership, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, to review progress under the India-France Strategic Partnership—spanning defence, trade, clean energy, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism—and discuss global issues ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s anticipated trip to India for the AI Summit. Jaishankar will also address the 31st French Ambassadors’ Conference as Guest of Honour, while in Luxembourg, he is set to hold talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, engage senior leaders, and connect with the Indian community, reinforcing ties established since 1948. This outreach highlights India’s proactive diplomacy in Europe amid dynamic global challenges.