Aix-en-Provence, July 1, 2026: Union Finance Minister and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has embarked on a four-day official visit to France aimed at strengthening India–France economic ties, boosting investment flows, and expanding cooperation in technology, innovation and strategic sectors.
During her visit, Sitharaman will co-chair the India–France Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) alongside French Minister of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Energy Sovereignty Roland Lescure. The high-level dialogue, scheduled in Aix-en-Provence, is expected to review key areas of bilateral cooperation and explore new opportunities for deepening economic engagement between the two nations.
The discussions are likely to focus on strengthening financial collaboration, expanding trade and investment channels, and identifying emerging sectors for partnership, including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation.
As part of her engagements, the Finance Minister will also interact with global CEOs and participate in a roundtable with business leaders to highlight India’s macroeconomic stability, ongoing structural reforms and long-term growth potential. The outreach is aimed at encouraging greater foreign investment and reinforcing India’s position as a key global economic destination.
Sitharaman is also scheduled to participate in a panel discussion at the Rencontres Économiques d’Aix-en-Provence, one of Europe’s leading platforms for economic dialogue. The session, themed around “How to Promote the Growth of a New Middle Class,” will bring together policymakers, economists and global experts to discuss evolving economic trends and inclusive growth strategies.
The visit further includes high-profile engagements in science and technology sectors. The Finance Minister will visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) facility at Cadarache, one of the world’s largest international projects on nuclear fusion energy involving more than 30 countries, including India and France. The visit underscores India’s interest in advanced energy research and global scientific collaboration.
She is also expected to visit Campus Cyber, France’s national cybersecurity hub, which focuses on innovation, research and skill development in digital security. The engagement is likely to facilitate exchange of best practices in cybersecurity and digital resilience, an increasingly important area in global economic governance.
In addition, Sitharaman will hold a meeting with Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, to explore regional cooperation in investment, clean energy, innovation and technology partnerships.
The visit is seen as part of India’s broader diplomatic and economic strategy to strengthen strategic partnerships with key global economies, particularly in Europe. Officials said the engagements reflect India’s commitment to expanding global cooperation while attracting long-term investments and fostering technological collaboration.
The Finance Minister will conclude her visit with a community interaction with members of the Indian diaspora in France, highlighting the government’s continued engagement with Indians living abroad as part of its global outreach efforts.
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