‘India, France can ensure stability in uncertain times’

France and India can deepen bilateral and multilateral partnerships to provide stability and predictability to the world order in unpredictable times when the “instrumentalisation of tariffs” is becoming counterproductive, a top French diplomat said.

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HT INTERVIEW | ANNE-MARIE DESCÔTES, FRENCH FOREIGN SECRETARY

Anne-Marie Descotes, secretary general of France’s foreign ministry who travelled to India last week for political consultations, also spoke about cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, critical technology, civil nuclear energy and counterterrorism in an interview with Rezaul H Laskar.

At a time of uncertainty and turbulence on the geo-economic front because of the policies of the US administration, how can India and France jointly strengthen the world order and free commerce?

We see the instrumentalisation of tariffs as counterproductive. France and India share a commitment to a rules-based international order, be it in trade policy or on other global issues. By deepening our bilateral and multilateral partnerships, we can provide stability and predictability in unpredictable times. In the same spirit, we fully support the swift conclusion of an EU-India free trade agreement. With France chairing the G7 and India's presidency of BRICS in 2026, there are real opportunities to work together across global forums.

Your trip came ahead of French President Macron's visit to India for the AI Summit. What are priorities for bilateral ties in 2026 and can you throw some light on deliverables being worked on for President Macron’s visit?

Following the AI Impact Summit in February, this visit will be the opportunity to launch the India-France Year of Innovation announced earlier this year by the two leaders. In 2026, we will orient our strategic partnership towards the future by incorporating innovation as a new mantra. In practical terms, we are working to develop durable projects in areas such as health and aerospace.

Has there been progress in civil nuclear cooperation, including the long-gestating Jaitapur nuclear power project and cooperation on SMRs?