
Jaishankar highlights India-France efforts to "chart an inclusive AI & innovation partnership" at CEOs Forum in Paris
Paris: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while addressing the inaugural session of the 14th India-France CEO Forum alongside French Ministers Jean-Noel Barrot and Eric Lombard, spoke about the growing economic and strategic partnership between India and France, highlighting collaboration in AI, defence, clean energy, infrastructure, and global supply chain resilience.
Jaishankar said, "Pleased to address the inaugural session of the 14th India - France CEO forum, alongside Ministers @jnbarrot and @Eric_R_Lombard of France."
He highlighted the shared commitment of India and France to "chart an inclusive AI & innovation partnership." He also spoke about "the potential of India - France and India - EU cooperation in diversifying production, making supply chains resilient and de-risking the global economy."
Jaishankar underlined the importance of "our [India's] robust engagement and opportunities in defence manufacturing and aerospace." He further mentioned "new possibilities for collaboration in clean energy and green transitions."
Discussing India's infrastructure growth, Jaishankar pointed out "transformations in infrastructure development in India. And prospects for furthering IMEC, benefitting both our regions." He also spoke about "new opportunities enabled by changing lifestyles in India."
Underlining the strength of India-France ties, Jaishankar said , "Underlined the trust, comfort and ambition in the partnership. And the key role of our business in advancing this expansive agenda."
Earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed the CEOs Forum in Paris.
In a post on X, he wrote, "The India-France CEO Forum plays a key role in strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation. It is gladdening to see business leaders from both nations collaborate and create new opportunities across key sectors. This drives growth, investment, and ensures a better future for the coming generations."
Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "This is more than just a business event--it's a convergence of the brightest minds from India and France. You are embracing the mantra of innovation, collaboration, and elevation, driving progress with purpose. Beyond forging boardroom connections, you are actively reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and France."
He also underlined the deep trust and shared values between India and France, citing democratic values, innovation, and serving the people as the pillars of their friendship.
"India and France aren't just connected by democratic values. Deep trust, innovation, and serving the people are the pillars of our friendship. Our relationship isn't limited to just our two nations. Together, we're providing solutions to global problems," PM Modi added.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times of Oman
9 hours ago
- Times of Oman
PM Modi expresses deep appreciation to Paraguay for its strong condemnation of Pahalgam terror attack
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed his "deep appreciation" to Paraguay for its "strong condemnation" of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack as he held a "comprehensive discussion" with President Santiago Pena Palacios in the national capital. According to the MEA, the two leaders held a comprehensive discussion at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, defence and security, infrastructure, mining and mineral resources, agriculture and food security, green energy, digitalisation, innovation and people-to-people links among others. During a press briefing, P Kumaran, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), highlighted that both leaders "unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms," with President Pena extending deep solidarity with the victims and their families. President Pena is in India for a three-day state visit, which will conclude on June 4. "Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep appreciation to Paraguay for its strong condemnation of the terrorist attack... as well as for the sincere condolences and solidarity expressed with the people and the government of India. Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations. On behalf of the Paraguayan people, President Pena expressed his deep solidarity with the victims and families of the terrorist attack," Kumaran stated during the briefing. Kumaran further noted that during Pena's meeting with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House earlier today, both leaders welcomed the establishment of a Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM) at the Secretary/Vice Ministerial level to advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Recognising India's growing global economic role, the MEA emphasised President Pena's keen interest in attracting Indian investments to Paraguay. "The two sides welcomed the establishment of a Joint Commission Mechanism at the Secretary/ Vice Ministerial level. The JCM will serve as a key platform to review and advance cooperation in priority areas of mutual interest. recognising India's growing global economic role, President Pina expressed keen interest in attracting Indian investments to Paraguay. He engaged with prominent Indian business leaders in Delhi. He is scheduled to travel tomorrow to Mumbai and interact with top Indian business leaders and companies," Kumaran added. President Pena will also be meeting with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan in the evening, where a banquet will be hosted. "The two leaders held a comprehensive discussion on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, defence and security, infrastructure, mining and mineral resources, agriculture and food security, green energy, ICT, digitalisation, innovation, disaster management, science and technology and people-to-people links. The President is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu in the evening at Rashtrapati Bhawan, where a banquet will be hosted for him," Kurmaran stated. "The bilateral relationship was expanded steadily with growing cooperation in sectors such as trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Paraguay is a growing trade partner for India in the Latin American region," he added. Earlier in the day, President Pena paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, laying a wreath at the memorial. The visit is part of his three-day state visit to India, which will conclude on June 4.


Times of Oman
11 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Air India expands codeshare partnership with Air Mauritius
New Delhi: Air India and the national carrier of Mauritius, Air Mauritius, have expanded their existing codeshare partnership to offer travelers improved connectivity across the Indian Subcontinent and the African region. As per a statement from Air India, the two airlines signed the expanded codeshare agreement on the sidelines of the 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi, in the presence of Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director, Air India, and Kishore Beegoo, Chairman, Air Mauritius. As part of the strengthened bilateral codeshare agreement, Air India and Air Mauritius will place their designator codes on a total of 17 routes between India, Mauritius, Reunion, South Africa, and Madagascar. With the enhanced codeshare partnership, Air India will place its 'AI' designator code on Air Mauritius flights to and from Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, and Antananarivo in Madagascar, for Air India guests to seamlessly travel to these cities via Mauritius on a single ticket and baggage checked through to their final destination. Air India already codeshares on Air Mauritius flights between Mauritius and Mumbai, Delhi, and Reunion. Air Mauritius currently places its 'MK' designator code on Air India flights between Mumbai and Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Goa, Delhi and Bengaluru, Chennai. As part of the enhanced codeshare, Air Mauritius will place its 'MK' designator code on Air India flights between Mauritius and Mumbai. Thus, all flights operated by Air India and Air Mauritius between the two countries will have each other's designator codes, thereby multiplying flight options for customers of either carrier. Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director, Air India, said: "India is one of the largest tourism source markets for destinations in Southern Africa, including Mauritius and South Africa, as well as a strong trade partner to the region. This expanded codeshare partnership with Air Mauritius is another step toward widening our extended global network, which enables our customers to easily access these destinations." "Air Mauritius is pleased to expand its collaboration with Air India, offering our passengers connections to numerous destinations across India via Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. Travellers from India to Mauritius will not only experience the warmth of our multi-cultural society and the richness of our diverse local cuisine, but also enjoy the convenience of connecting to Reunion, South Africa, and Madagascar beyond with Air Mauritius," says Kishore Beegoo, Chairman of Air Mauritius. The additional codeshare flights are available for booking from 01 July 2025 through Air India's and Air Mauritius' respective booking channels and through travel agents.


Times of Oman
11 hours ago
- Times of Oman
L'Oreal to double its India business; company CEO says the country is strategic market, big priority
Paris: Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of global beauty products company L'Oreal, has said they aim to more than double business in India over the next couple of years. The L'Oreal CEO had a meeting with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Paris today. "...I am very pleased with the meeting I just had with Minister Goyal (Piyush Goyal). We shared our mutual ambition for India and India is a very strategic market for L'Oreal," the CEO said. L'Oreal's leadership has identified India as a very strategic market with very strong growth potential. Hieronimus said India is a country of opportunities, one of the fastest-growing beauty markets in the world. "We intend to more than double our business in the next couple of years, expand our factories which are today manufacturing 95% of what we sell in India but also export into rest of the region. So, it is a country of opportunities, one of the fastest beauty markets in the world and a big priority for L'Oreal," he told the media. India serves not only as a consumption market but also as a regional manufacturing hub for L'Oreal's operations. "We are exporting hair and skin products, particularly to the Gulf region. So, it is just the beginning of a big adventure. We are manufacturing half a billion units in India, but we intend to increase that in the years to come." The rapid growth trajectory of beauty product markets in India, coupled with the country's manufacturing capabilities and skilled workforce, makes the country an attractive destination for international companies looking to establish regional production bases while serving the domestic market.