Jaishankar thanks Macron for backing India on terror

Paris

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday during his official trip to France and thanked him for standing with India against terrorism. He also passed on greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jaishankar said that his meeting with President Macron showed the strong trust and goals shared between India and France. The two countries have had a strategic partnership for 25 years, based on deep cooperation and shared views on global matters.

During his visit, Jaishankar also met French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot. He held talks with top French leaders and spoke with researchers and journalists. He attended the first Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue in Marseille.

In April, after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Macron called PM Modi to express sympathy. Macron said France stands firmly with India and promised to continue fighting terrorism with its allies.

Jaishankar’s visit from June 8 to 14 covers France, the European Union, and Belgium. The aim is to strengthen partnerships and boost cooperation in key areas.

On Wednesday, India and the EU signed a Trilateral Cooperation agreement. It includes projects on green shipping, clean energy, and global connections such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Jaishankar signed the deal with Jozef Sikela, a top EU official.

In Belgium, Jaishankar met King Philippe, Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and other leaders. He also met EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Metsola, and co-chaired the first India-EU Strategic Dialogue with EU’s Kaja Kallas.

India hopes these talks will benefit developing countries and improve global ties.