Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and France's Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty, Roland Lescure, jointly chaired the India-France Economic and Financial Dialogue in Aix-en-Provence on Friday, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The high-level meeting marked another step in strengthening the economic dimension of the India-France strategic partnership. The Finance Ministry said the dialogue was aimed at enhancing cooperation across key economic sectors while reinforcing regular engagement on global economic developments, bilateral priorities and practical initiatives that can deliver long-term benefits for both nations. The discussions fulfilled a commitment made during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India in February 2026 and subsequent engagements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both sides agreed to convene the dialogue this year.

During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed opportunities for closer coordination in international financial and economic institutions. They discussed aligning their positions on major global platforms, including the G20 and the Paris Club, while also exchanging views on the global economic outlook and the challenges affecting international growth. The talks took place alongside India's cooperation with France during its presidency of the G7.

A major area of discussion was enhancing cooperation on critical minerals, an increasingly important sector for ensuring resilient global supply chains and supporting the clean energy transition. Both countries also explored ways to encourage greater bilateral investment and strengthen economic resilience.

Infrastructure collaboration featured prominently in the dialogue, with both sides examining opportunities in the high-speed rail sector, building upon previous agreements signed between the two governments. The ministers also discussed measures to improve financial sector connectivity, aiming to facilitate trade, investment and technological collaboration between Indian and French businesses.

The Finance Ministry said both leaders acknowledged the contribution of the French Development Agency in supporting development projects across India. They expressed interest in expanding future cooperation in areas such as sustainable urban development, renewable energy, climate action and infrastructure financing.

Reaffirming their commitment to stronger bilateral ties, the ministers agreed that the Economic and Financial Dialogue will serve as the principal platform for advancing cooperation in trade, finance, technology, investment and economic policy. They also agreed to explore holding the next round of the dialogue in 2027. According to the Ministry, continued engagement through this mechanism is expected to strengthen collaboration in strategic sectors, including secure supply chains, digital sovereignty, clean energy and long-term infrastructure development, further reinforcing the growing India-France economic partnership.