External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has underscored the immense potential for growth in India's relationship with Europe, calling it one of the partnerships with the "most room to grow" in today's world. His remarks came during diplomatic engagements in Europe, focusing on strengthening strategic and economic cooperation.
Weimar Format Talks: Deepening India-EU Engagement
Following a meeting in the India–Weimar format with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Poland, Jaishankar addressed the media. He emphasized that the India–EU relationship holds "tremendous unrealised potential." The discussions, held on January 8, 2026, covered critical global issues including the broader India-EU partnership, developments in the Indo-Pacific region, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Jaishankar pointed out that in a world where global dynamics are constantly shifting, regular high-level dialogue and smaller group formats like the Weimar are essential. These platforms, he argued, foster deeper and more structured cooperation between India and its European partners, allowing for more focused conversations on shared challenges and opportunities.
France: India's Oldest Strategic Partner in Europe
In a separate but significant engagement in Paris, Jaishankar held detailed talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. He described the India–France cooperation as a crucial pillar for stability in global politics. A key agenda item was the preparation for President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming visit to India next month to attend the AI Summit.
Highlighting the unique depth of the bilateral relationship, Jaishankar reaffirmed that France is India's oldest strategic partner in Europe. He stressed that sustained consultations and the effective use of existing bilateral mechanisms are vital to advance the wide-ranging shared agenda. This collaborative effort is seen as key to successfully implementing the ambitious Horizon 2047 roadmap, which charts the course for the partnership in an increasingly multipolar world.
The Road Ahead: Realising the Potential
Jaishankar's dual emphasis—on the broad, untapped potential with the European Union and the deep, time-tested alliance with France—outlines a clear diplomatic strategy. The approach involves leveraging smaller group dialogues for broader European consensus while deepening specialized strategic ties with key nations like France. The upcoming visit by President Macron for the AI Summit is poised to be a significant milestone, potentially unlocking new avenues in technology and defense cooperation.
The minister's comments signal India's proactive intent to shape its engagement with Europe, moving beyond traditional diplomacy to address contemporary geopolitical, technological, and economic imperatives. The focus remains on converting the identified "unrealised potential" into concrete, actionable outcomes that benefit both India and its European partners.
