Nirmala Sitharaman Begins Four-Day France Visit to Strengthen India-France Economic Ties

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday commenced a four-day official visit to France, where she will participate in a series of high-level engagements aimed at deepening the India-France Strategic Partnership. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening economic cooperation, promoting investment and innovation, and expanding collaboration in technology, clean energy and cybersecurity.

Economic dialogue and business engagement take centre stage

A major highlight of the visit will be the India-France Economic & Financial Dialogue (EFD) in Aix-en-Provence, which will be co-chaired by Sitharaman and Roland Lescure.

The dialogue will explore opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation across key sectors and further strengthen economic relations between India and France.

According to an official release, the Finance Minister will also hold one-on-one meetings with leading global chief executives and participate in a roundtable discussion with prominent business leaders. The interactions are aimed at highlighting India's strong macroeconomic fundamentals, ongoing structural reforms, growing investment opportunities and long-term growth potential.

Sitharaman is also scheduled to participate in a panel discussion titled "How to Promote the Growth of a New Middle Class" at Les Rencontres Économiques d'Aix-en-Provence, one of Europe's leading forums on global economic and public policy issues. Organised by Le Cercle des économistes, the event brings together heads of government, ministers, central bankers, economists, academics and business leaders from around the world.

Focus on innovation, clean energy and cybersecurity

As part of her visit, Sitharaman will tour the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) facility in Cadarache. ITER is among the world's largest international scientific collaborations focused on nuclear fusion energy and includes participation from more than 30 countries, including India and France.

The Finance Minister will also visit Campus Cyber, France's national centre for cybersecurity innovation, research and skill development. The visit is expected to encourage knowledge-sharing and cooperation in strengthening cyber resilience and fostering innovation within the digital economy.

In addition, Sitharaman will meet Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) Region, to discuss opportunities for enhanced collaboration in investment, innovation, technology, clean energy and regional economic partnerships.

Visit to conclude with Indian diaspora outreach

The Finance Minister's France visit will conclude with an interaction with members of the Indian diaspora, providing an opportunity to engage with the Indian community and discuss India's economic progress and global partnerships.

The visit comes at a time when India and France are seeking to deepen cooperation across strategic sectors, including trade, technology, energy transition, innovation and digital security, reinforcing the growing momentum in bilateral relations.

(With inputs from ANI)