S Jaishankar Arrives In France For G7 Meet; To Hold Key Bilateral Talks

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in France on Thursday to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with partner nations. He is also scheduled to conduct several high-level bilateral engagements on the sidelines.

Jaishankar confirmed his arrival at Abbaye des-Vaux-de-Cernay and noted that Jean-Noel Barrot received him warmly for his first bilateral discussion. The visit follows an invitation from the French government for a two-day engagement.

The meeting will deliberate on pressing international concerns, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and escalating tensions in West Asia.

Officials stated that discussions will also focus on global security and economic stability.

France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs indicated that participants will explore diplomatic pathways to de-escalate tensions involving Iran and the broader Middle East.

The agenda includes ensuring civilian safety, reopening maritime trade routes, and addressing concerns related to nuclear and ballistic programmes.

On Ukraine, G7 members will reaffirm support for Kyiv, particularly in energy resilience and defence capabilities, while intensifying pressure on Russia.

Ministers will further examine regional developments in the Indo-Pacific, Sudan, Haiti, Gaza, Venezuela, and Cuba. They will also discuss rebuilding efforts for Chornobyl’s damaged confinement structure and strategies to combat synthetic drug trafficking, including Captagon networks.

Additionally, the meeting will consider forming a G7 task force to enhance port cooperation against drug trafficking and plan future security conferences.

Discussions will also address critical mineral supply chains and global economic integration initiatives.

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