India-France Economic Dialogue Focuses on Critical Minerals

India-France Economic & Financial Dialogue Co-chaired by Finance Ministers

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and H.E. Mr. Roland Lescure, Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty of France, co-chaired the India-France Economic & Financial Dialogue (EFD) in Aix-en-Provence on July 3, 2026. This high-level exchange resumed within the framework of the special global strategic partnership between the two countries, following the commitment made during President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India in February 2026 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reciprocal commitment to hold the dialogue in 2026.

Key Discussion Areas and Outcomes

The dialogue focused on several critical areas of bilateral cooperation. Both ministers discussed achieving greater alignment of India-France positions within multilateral economic platforms, particularly the G20 and the Paris Club, in the context of India's association with the French G7 presidency. They also exchanged views on the world economic outlook and identified potential areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation.

Specific cooperation areas included the roll-out of India-France collaboration on critical minerals as part of broader discussions on economic sovereignty and security policies. The dialogue also explored ways to increase cross-investments between the two countries and identified opportunities in the high-speed railway sector following the signature of the declaration of intent on railways. Additionally, both parties discussed proposals to further connect the financial industries between India and France.

The ministers recognized the value of the French Development Agency's work in India for economic development and welcomed prospects for future projects. They pledged to use the Economic and Financial Dialogue as the main platform for addressing economic, financial, technological, investment, and trade matters between India and France. Both ministers agreed to explore the possibility of holding the next edition of the dialogue in 2027.