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Visit of External Affairs Minister to France (June 18-19, 2018)

June 19, 2018

​External Affairs Minister (EAM), Smt. Sushma Swaraj, visited Paris from 18-19 June 2018, the first major visit from India to France since the visit of the French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron to India in March 2018. During her visit to Paris, EAM met her counterpart, H.E. Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe & Foreign Affairs of France on June 18 where they reviewed the wide gamut of bilateral relations as well as exchanged views on contemporary matters of regional/international interest. The two Ministers reaffirmed the strong mutual ties and the expanding convergences which underpin the bilateral Strategic Partnership, now in its 20th year. She also called on the French President the same evening and conveyed the personal greetings of the President and Prime Minister of India.

​In her other engagements in Paris, EAM was the Chief Guest at a ceremony held to name the Indian Culture Centre in the memory of Swami Vivekanand.

A bilateral Letter of Intent was signed between India and France in her presence on cooperation in the field of conservation of pre-historic ornate caves and rock shelters. This document which was signed between the Ministry of Culture of India and the Ministry of Culture of France will aid conservation efforts at the Bhimbetka caves in India and the caves of Lascaux and Chauvet in France.

EAM visited the India House, Maison de l’Inde which is a hostel for Indian students in the University City of Paris. The India House is celebrating its 50th anniversary year in 2018. EAM addressed the residents of the India House.

An Indian community reception was held in honour of EAM at the Embassy of India where EAM addressed the members of community and emphasized on the importance attached by India on the links with the Indian diaspora. EAM handed over certificates of appreciation to Indian community organization and individuals who have contributed to the Swacch Bharat Kosh.

EAM also announced that India will construct an Indian Armed Forces Memorial in Villiers Guislain, France, to honour the valour and sacrifice of the thousands of Indian soldiers, sailors and airmen who fought for peace in World War I.

EAM released a publication ‘States of India’ prepared by Embassy of India which is meant for increasing awareness of the business climate and invest potential of various states of India and would prove to be a handy guide for French investors, chamber of commerce and others.

Paris
June 19, 2018

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