Latest news with #IndiaFrancePartnership
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
"Deepening India-France economic ties": Piyush Goyal meets French minister Eric Lombard
Paris: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held a productive meeting with French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Eric Lombard, on Monday (local time), focusing on deepening the India-France economic partnership with an emphasis on trade, investments, and technology cooperation. The discussions, which took place during Goyal's three-day official visit to France, also reviewed the progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, signalling a strong intent to bolster bilateral ties amidst a shared commitment to innovation and economic growth. "Held a productive meeting with Eric Lombard, French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. Exchanged views on deepening our economic partnership, enhancing trade & investments with a special focus on technology and innovation across key sectors. Also discussed the progress of the India-EU FTA negotiations. Looking forward to stronger India-France economic ties," Goyal said in a post on X. Earlier, the Commerce and Industry Minister expressed optimism that India could finalise its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) ahead of the year-end deadline, citing minimal divergences between the two economic blocs. Goyal emphasised the complementary nature of the Indian and European economies. "There are not too many issues where we have divergence of opinion. We have both complementary economies," he stated. "In most cases, what is of offensive interest to India does not hurt the European economy. And likewise, goods and services that Europe would like to provide to India only support our growth story." The minister acknowledged that certain sensitive areas require careful negotiation on both sides. "Obviously, in any trading relationship, there are certain sensitive issues on both sides which we have to resolve amicably in the interest of both the European Union and India," Goyal noted. Goyal also held a series of high-level meetings in Paris with top French CEOs to explore new opportunities for India's growth across key sectors such as renewable energy, automobile manufacturing, electric vehicles (EVs), and consumer products. As part of his engagements, Goyal met Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of EDF Energy, to discuss India's growing role in the global clean energy transition. He also met Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of L'Oreal Groupe and Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of Total Energies.
Times of Oman
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
French Senate delegation meets Indian official; discusses defence, global challenges, and bilateral roadmap
New Delhi: The French Embassy in India on Tuesday thanked Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri for hosting the French Senate's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence & the Armed Forces, highlighting the strength of the India-France partnership. Sharing the update on X (formerly Twitter), the Embassy posted, "Thank you Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri for hosting the French Senate's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence & the Armed Forces, and the very interesting and fruitful discussions on France-India ties, global issues and steps to build on PM Modi's recent France visit." India and France have long maintained close, friendly relations rooted in a Strategic Partnership launched on 26 January 1998. This was India's first-ever strategic partnership and continues to be one of its most comprehensive, with both nations committed to enhancing their strategic autonomy through expanded bilateral cooperation. The foundation of this partnership rests on strong engagement in defence and security, civil nuclear energy, and space exploration, now bolstered by a growing Indo-Pacific collaboration. In recent years, India-France ties have grown to include cooperation in maritime security, digital and cyber technology, advanced computing, counterterrorism, and sustainable development. The bilateral relationship is driven by shared democratic values, a commitment to multilateralism, and a rules-based international order. Regular high-level exchanges, defence deals, joint military exercises, and deepening technological and climate collaborations are shaping a new trajectory for this partnership. The year 2023 marked a historic milestone as both countries celebrated 25 years of their Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France from 13-14 July 2023 as the Guest of Honour at the French National Day, during which the two sides adopted the ambitious 'Horizon 2047' roadmap. The document outlines a joint vision for the next 25 years, which will coincide with the centenary of India's independence and 100 years of diplomatic ties with France. Cultural diplomacy has also played a key role. The 'Namaste France' Festival in Paris, held from July 6-9, 2023, drew over 20,000 attendees and showcased India's diverse artistic and culinary heritage. France is also home to a large Indian diaspora, with significant populations in both mainland France and its overseas territories, and over 50 active Indian community organisations contributing to people-to-people engagement.
