French Minister Benjamin Haddad Begins Three-Day India Visit
French Minister Delegate Benjamin Haddad arrives in India for a three-day visit to strengthen EU-India strategic ties and meet key industry leaders.
Benjamin Haddad, the French Minister Delegate for Europe, has arrived in India for a high-profile three-day visit aimed at strengthening the strategic ties between the European Union and India. The visit, which concludes on Tuesday, marks a significant moment for international diplomacy as the EU seeks to expand its strategic partnerships and bolster its global competitiveness.
Strengthening EU-India Strategic Ties
The visit comes at a time when the relationship between France and India is seeing unprecedented momentum. Speaking ahead of his arrival, Minister Haddad expressed his enthusiasm for engaging with Indian thought leaders, think tanks, and civil society to discuss pressing global issues. He emphasized that the France-India Special Global Strategic Partnership has laid a strong foundation for closer cooperation between the European Union and India—a bond he aims to further solidify during this trip.
A Packed Diplomatic Agenda
Minister Haddad's schedule is filled with high-level discussions and international forums. Key highlights of his itinerary include:
- Munich Leaders Meeting: On October 4 and 5, the Minister will participate in sessions organized by the Munich Security Conference. He is scheduled to speak on trade agreements and the role of middle powers in the global technology race.
- France-India 1.5 Track Dialogue: On October 6, he will join a dialogue jointly organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the French Foundation for Strategic Research (Fondation pour la recherche stratégique).
- Raisina Forum: The Minister will contribute to the "Future of Diplomacy" discussions, specifically addressing the session titled "The Atlantic Unravelling: Who Secures the West?".
Engaging with Industry Giants
Beyond the diplomatic halls, the Minister's visit will also focus on the economic and industrial pillars of the France-India relationship. To witness the practical application of these strategic ties, Haddad is scheduled to visit two major French corporations with a significant presence in India: Schneider Electric and Airbus.
Through these meetings with French, European, and Indian actors, the mission seeks to ensure that the strategic autonomy and competitiveness of the European Union are aligned with the growing economic landscape of India.