External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar undertook a six-day official visit to France and Luxembourg from January 4 to January 9, 2026, to bolster India's strategic partnerships and bilateral engagements with both key European nations. The visit commenced on January 4, 2026, as reported by The Hindu. In France, Jaishankar engaged in high-level meetings, including calling on French President Emmanuel Macron and holding discussions with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. These talks focused on advancing the India-France Strategic Partnership, encompassing crucial areas such as defence, security, civil nuclear cooperation, space, and emerging technologies like AI. A significant highlight of his French itinerary was addressing the 31st French Ambassadors' Conference as the Guest of Honour, a distinction that made him the first non-European foreign minister to do so, where he emphasized strategic autonomy and evolving global dynamics. He also participated in the inaugural India-Weimar Foreign Ministers' meeting alongside his French, German, and Polish counterparts, signaling India's broader engagement with Europe. Following his engagements in France, Jaishankar proceeded to Luxembourg, where he met with Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. Discussions centered on expanding cooperation in finance, investments, digital technologies, innovation, space, and people-to-people ties. He also interacted with the Indian community in Luxembourg, acknowledging their contributions to strengthening bilateral ties. The visit underscored India's commitment to deepening its ties with the European Union and highlighted the growing convergence of interests between India and Europe in the evolving global landscape. It also served to prepare the ground for French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming visit to India for the 2026 AI Impact Summit.