Paris [France]: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday underscored Europe’s growing self-awareness and strategic autonomy, noting that the continent increasingly approaches global challenges from its own perspective rather than relying on collective or external narratives. This shift, he said, carries major policy implications for global partners, including India.
Speaking at the Raisina Mediterranean 2025 conference in Paris, Jaishankar described France as India’s most trusted partner in Europe, highlighting the depth of bilateral ties and mutual confidence built over decades.
“It didn’t happen overnight. It is the outcome of experiences, of support during difficulties, and of shared values that make trust possible,” Jaishankar said. “When I look at who stood by us in recent security episodes, who was willing to go the extra mile for our needs — France stands out.”
The minister stressed the importance of reliable and resilient supply chains in today’s digital world, criticising the past global emphasis on “cost determinism” which resulted in dangerous concentration of production capacities in single geographies — a veiled reference to China.
“In the digital era, trust is as important as price points and efficiency. Trust means you feel intuitively comfortable with your partners, either because of shared values or because they stood by you in times of difficulty,” he stated.
Jaishankar, on a three-nation Europe visit, also noted significant progress in India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks. Half the chapters have been completed, and momentum is strong to finish negotiations by the end of 2025. “Our trade ministers have met thrice in six weeks. Another round is scheduled soon. There’s urgency because the global environment now demands such agreements,” he said.
Apart from trade, India and the EU are also working towards a defence and security partnership, space cooperation, and an agreement on talent mobility across the Union. Connectivity remains a key area, as both sides aim to “de-risk and stabilise the global economy.”
Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership, Jaishankar called the relationship one of deep trust and commitment. “We share convergent views on multiple regional and global matters,” he said, emphasizing that the trajectory of India-Europe ties would witness “a very sharp acceleration” amid the emerging multipolar world order.