Jaishankar Arrives in France for G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Bilateral Talks Planned
PARIS — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in France on Thursday to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where he is also expected to hold key bilateral discussions with several counterparts.
Jaishankar reached Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay for the two-day meeting at the invitation of France and was received by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. The minister is participating in the gathering alongside partner countries.
“Arrived at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, France to participate in G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Partner Countries. Was received warmly by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot of France for my first bilateral,” Jaishankar posted.
The meeting is expected to focus on a range of global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in West Asia.
According to France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, discussions on the Middle East will explore avenues for de-escalation, ensuring civilian security, reopening maritime and trade routes, and addressing concerns related to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs.
On Ukraine, G7 partners are expected to reaffirm their support for Kyiv, including in energy and defense capabilities, while also discussing ways to increase pressure on Russia.
Ministers will also review developments in several regions, including the Indo-Pacific, Sudan, Haiti, Gaza, Venezuela, and Cuba, in light of recent global events.
The agenda includes plans to mobilize international funding to repair damage to Chernobyl’s confinement structure following a strike in 2025, as well as efforts to combat drug trafficking, including the synthetic drug Captagon in Syria.
Additional discussions will focus on strengthening regional economic integration in the Middle East, improving coordination on port networks to tackle drug trafficking, and organizing a regional security conference in the Caribbean later this year.
The ministers are also set to discuss securing critical mineral supply chains and preparations for upcoming global initiatives, including efforts to counter terrorist financing.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Jaishankar is expected to engage in bilateral talks to further India’s diplomatic and strategic partnerships. (Source: IANS)
